Parents warned after man allegedly tries to lure children at Harford County recreation center

Parents in Harford County are being warned about a suspicious person who approached two children over the weekend at the Churchville Recreation Center and allegedly tried to get them to go toward his vehicle.

The incident happened Sunday while baseball games were being played at the recreation center, according to the Churchville Recreation Council and the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

Parents reported the incident to recreation council leaders and the sheriff's office.

"We are reaching out to make you aware of a concerning incident that occurred at the Recreation Center this past Sunday and to encourage everyone to remain especially vigilant while at the complex," the council said in a statement posted to its Facebook page.

The council said two children were approached by an unfamiliar man while baseball games were taking place.

"The children became uncomfortable with the interaction and immediately ran back to their parents," the statement said. "The individual then quickly left the Recreation Center property in an older, dark blue van."

The man was described as a white male between 60 and 70 years old. No other identifying information was available, and deputies did not capture a license plate number.

Police respond to recreation center

Deputies were called to the complex around 3:15 p.m. Sunday after the children reported that a strange man had approached them and asked them to help him collect baseballs near a van.

When deputies arrived, the man was no longer in the area.

Investigators spoke with the children's parents, who said the children became nervous during the interaction and immediately told them what happened.

The sheriff's office said there is currently no evidence that a crime was committed, but investigators are monitoring the situation.

"We're looking into it, but right now we don't have anything to indicate that any sort of crime was committed," Sheriff Jeff Gahler told WJZ.

Gahler said the children did the right thing by telling their parents.

"We'd like him to call us and just to explain his side of what he was doing there. We say it all the time. If it doesn't feel right, then report it," Gahler said. "Let us be that source to figure it out. And that's exactly what happened here."

The Churchville Recreation Council, which runs sports programs at the park, also alerted parents about the incident on social media.

"Quite honestly, I was surprised," said Jami Marin, whose children play sports at the complex. "I mean, it's concerning. I was really glad that they put it out there. I really appreciate that."

Several parents expressed concerns in the comments of the recreation council's post, citing worries about their children's safety at the park. Some said they did not bring their children to practice Monday.

The recreation council said investigators are reviewing security video from buildings on the property, which is owned by Harford County.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about stranger safety and remind them to trust their instincts. The recreation council also urged parents to remain alert while at the complex.

The sheriff's office is asking anyone with additional information to call its tip line at 410-836-7788 or submit an anonymous tip online.

Safety tips for children and parents

The recreation council urged parents and guardians to take steps to help keep children safe.

Those steps include:

• Keep a close eye on children, particularly younger children who may be playing away from their immediate team area.
• Talk to children about stranger safety and remind them never to approach or enter a vehicle with someone they do not know.
• Remind children that if an unfamiliar person asks them to go somewhere, offers them something or makes them uncomfortable, they should immediately find a parent, coach or other trusted adult.
• Encourage children to trust their instincts. If something doesn't feel right, they should tell an adult immediately.
• Remain aware of unfamiliar people and vehicles. If you observe something suspicious, move yourself and your children to a safe location and contact police.

Anyone who believes they have information related to the incident is asked to contact the Harford County Sheriff's Office.