FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Two children claim a man approached them Friday morning and tried to convince them to get into his truck, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said the man got out of his white Ford F250 with a landscaping trailer in tow on Crandon Court in Palm Coast and told the juveniles that it was dangerous to cross the street. He told the children to get in his truck so he could drive them to his parents, according to a news release.
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The children refused, ran to the bus stop and called their mother, who contacted authorities.
“This incident had the potential to turn into every parent’s worst nightmare,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Thankfully these kids had been taught by their parents what to do and they knew not to get into this guy’s truck. And, they knew to tell a trusted adult what happened immediately.”
Deputies said the man was gone when they arrived on scene. He's described as approximately 60 years old with white shoulder-length hair, a long white beard and a large build.
Authorities reminded parents and guardians to talk to their children about personal safety and to use the buddy system whenever possible.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911 and reference case number 2018-100849 or call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).