Police seek man who approached teenagers
A man in a white car who has approached five children in the past two weeks and offers to charge the kids’ cellphones is being sought by law enforcement, Pembroke Pines police said.
“We are asking for the public’s assistance in reporting any similar instances and in locating the suspect for questioning,” Pembroke Pines Police Sgt. Angela Goodwin said.
On Thursday, police released an updated composite sketch of the man based on information provided by a witness.
No children have abducted or injured.
The encounters began Sept. 18 when girls ages 13 and 14 were approached during the same hour while walking six miles apart.
The driver met the first girl at 3:45 p.m. near 8400 NW 19th St. Forty-five minutes later, he talked with the second teen, at 12105 Pembroke Road. The neighborhoods are south of Sheridan Street and between South Flamingo Road and North University Drive, police said.
The driver’s car may be a Mazda3, and according to the kids’ descriptions, is a newer model and only has tint on the rear windows.
The man, who may be 30-to-40 years old, is about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and has a medium build. He has worn a black shirt and faded, ripped gray jeans.
He made small talk, asked for directions to Sawgrass Mills mall, offered to charge a cellphone for one of the girls and one time, opened the car trunk and asked the girl to get closer, according to police. The girls walked away. been
On Monday at 6 a.m., a boy waiting at a bus stop at Northwest 96th Avenue and Pines Boulevard was approached by a man in a car. The driver asked the boy if he needed to charge his cellphone. The boy declined and walked away as the man drove off, police said about the encounter that happened near the city’s police and fire stations.
Later Monday, two juveniles were approached by possibly the same man in the same car, near Northwest 85th Avenue and Northwest Sixth Street. The driver said he was lost and asked to use the kids’ cellphones to get directions. The children did not share their phones and walked away, according to police.
Investigators are encouraging parents and guardians to talk with their children about encounters with strangers and offered these tips:
Always be aware of your surroundings, and if possible, walk in groups or pairs. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t accept anything from a stranger or share personal property.
Don’t approach a stranger or his or her vehicle.
If a stranger approaches, get away and call 911, if possible.
Tell a parent or other trusted adult that a stranger approached you, and call police.
Police ask anyone who may also have been approached by the man or who know him to call 954-431-2200, email Tips@ppines.com or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
ljtrischitta@sunsentinel .com, 954-356-4233 or Twitter @LindaTrischitta