OTSEGO, Mich. — Officials with Otsego Public Schools sent out a notice to parents after reports surfaced of a man handing out teddy bears to area school children.
Several students were given teddy bears by a white, middle aged, heavier set man in a silver SUV, according to a statement from Jeffrey Haase, Superintendent of Otsego Public Schools. Officials advise the vehicle in question may be a Chevy Trailblazer.
Haase went onto say there has been no reports of the man threatening or attempting to lure kids to him, but school officials urge parents to talk about to their children about strangers.
On Tuesday, the school district announced police made contact with the man in question. The man told authorities he meant no harm and they do not consider him a threat to the public.
Here’s the full release from Otsego Public Schools on Monday:
“Good evening, We have been made aware of a possible safety concern that we want to share with you. Several of our elementary students have been given teddy bears by a man in a silver SUV, possibly a Chevy Trailblazer, in the area of Franklin, Hammond, and Farmer streets. The police are aware of this, are investigating and are adding patrols to this area. The man is described as a heavier set, white, middle-aged man. We have not been told that this man threatened anyone or tried to lure students to him, and adults have been present during two encounters; however, it raises a concern as we want to be sure our students are safe. Please talk with your child about strangers and please let us know if you have any additional information about this situation. Thank you for your continued support.”
Thank you,
Jeffery Haase Superintendent
Otsego Public Schools
