Full Notification

September 27, 2017- This morning, around 10:30 am, San Mateo Police Officers responded to the area of Peninsula Av and the Railroad tracks on a report of an attempted teen abduction. The 14-year-old female told officers that she was walking to San Mateo High School on Peninsula Av when a Middle Eastern man driving a white utility van honked at her to get the teen’s attention. The man exited his vehicle, approached the teen, and grabbed her by the shoulder pulling her towards him. The female kicked the man and ran home where she contacted SMPD. Officers performed an extensive search of the area but the suspect was not located.
 
The suspect in this case was described as a Middle Eastern male in his late 50’s- early 60’s, unshaven, average build, and slicked back black and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a gray and blue t-shirt and unknown pants.
 
SMPD and the victim are working with a sketch artist and we will release a suspect sketch when it is available. Anyone with information about the above incidents should notify the San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700.

The San Mateo- Foster City District and the San Mateo Police Department are also aware of a similar incident that was reported today by a 16-year-old female student, which occurred on September 18^th, 2017. Officers are also actively investigating the late reported incident to determine if these incidents are related.
 
SMPD are increasing uniformed patrols and presence around our schools and areas were children might congregate to ensure safety of the community. Anyone with information about the above incidents should notify the San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700.
 
We strongly encourage parents to talk to your children about stranger awareness. Here are some safety tips to share with your children:
 
Look, listen, stay safe.  Be aware of your surroundings when walking in public. Avoid distractions while walking such as books or electronics.
 
Whenever possible use the buddy system. Urge your children to walk with a friend or friends. There’s safety in numbers.
 
Watch out for strangers in cars.  Watch for cars that follow you. NEVER approach a stranger in a car for ANY reason.
 
If a stranger talks to you from a car or asks a question, ignore them, and walk or even run away.
 
Yell and Tell.  If a stranger makes you uncomfortable or scares you, YELL and run away. Find someone you trust and TELL them what happened.
Trust your instincts. Only you get to decide when you’re uncomfortable or scared. Don’t be afraid to tell a stranger “No”, ignore them, or just run away!
 
 
In addition, here are some safety tips for our younger children

• Make sure that your child understands who a stranger is… it may not be a person that looks strange.


• Make sure that your child knows his/her full name, address and phone number.


• Be sure that your child knows how to call 9-1-1.


• Encourage your child to go with a friend or a family member when they go somewhere and use safe routes not short cuts by vacant buildings, alleys or other potentially dangerous places. 


• Review scenarios that strangers might use to get your child into a car including offering candy, toys, money or asking for help.


• If approached by a stranger, make sure that your child knows to run away, scream and find a trusted adult for help. 
 
MEDIA FOLLOW UP
San Mateo Police Department PIO – Sergeant Amanda Von Glah 650-522-7626 or [email protected]