EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY- Splendora ISD notified parents on Tuesday of the attempted abduction of two male students near their home in the White Oak Plantation subdivision in unincorporated Splendora on Monday afternoon. Officials said one boy is in elementary school and the other in intermediate.
The would-be abductor is described as a white male, 25 to 30 years old, with short black hair and driving a silver colored Sport Utility Vehicle, possibly a Jeep. The boys told police the man tried to lure them into his vehicle with toys and candy, but they ran home and told their father, who called police.
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When SISD Police Chief Dennis Doerge heard the story the older boy told his principal, Doerge says he verified the information then he and the Superintendent began taking steps to notify parents.
The notice was transmitted through IRIS, or Immediate Response Information System, providing text and a link to an audible message, which stated, “Yesterday afternoon two students were approached by a white male in the White Oak Plantation subdivision. He attempted to lure them into his vehicle by offering them toys. The suspect has short black hair and was driving a silver sports utility vehicle, possibly a jeep.
Local authorities are investigating this incident. We are asking parents and community members to be alert and take all precautions in safeguarding our students.”
Multiple agencies, including SISD Police, the MCSO and Pct. 4 Constable’s Office are increasing patrols in the area in light of the incident, with the Sheriff’s Office heading up the investigation.
Pct. 4 Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden said his office is using its resources to aid the MCSO in the investigation, with Pct. 4 sex offender compliance officer, Deputy Ricky Ford reviewing the registered sex offender database for similarities in the area.
Splendora Police Chief Alex Hadrych said while the subdivision is not in his jurisdiction, his officers were informed of the situation and are keeping an eye out for the vehicle.
Doerge, who calls all SISD students “his kids,” said he was extremely proud of how the boys handled the situation. They responded exactly as taught in the radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program, which is presented to district students beginning in elementary.
“In this society, we have to have constant, ongoing teaching programs in self defense and a lot of other things,” he said. “We want to be proactive and stop it before it happens.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (936) 760-5876.