Police are investigating two incidents in which students reported being approached by strange men Tuesday in Leeward Oahu.
One incident occurred near the campus of Kapolei Middle School, while the other happened while a student was walking to Campbell High School.
The principals of both Leeward Oahu schools sent “stranger danger” letters to parents after the incidents were reported.
A Kapolei Middle School student said she was assaulted Tuesday night near the gymnasium at Kapolei High School.
In a letter sent to parents and guardians of students at the middle school the same day, Principal Elden Esmeralda said the incident took place around 6:10 p.m. near the high school gym.
The female student said a man approached her asking for directions and a tour of the campus.
When the student declined, the suspect grabbed her arms.
The student was able to free herself and her family filed a police report.
The suspect was described as in his his 30s, 5-feet-5-inches tall, with brown hair and a tribal tattoo on his left ankle. He was last seen wearing black basketball shorts.
In the Campbell incident, Principal Jon Henry Lee said a male student told police that while he was walking to school, a man in a silver or gray car pulled up next to him, told him his mom was in the hospital and instructed him to get in the car.
The student refused and told his parents, who reported the incident to police.
The incident occurred near Kapolei Parkway and Kolowaka Drive.
No suspect description was released.
Both “stranger danger” letters said: “The safety of your children is of the utmost importance to us. We are sending this letter to you as a precaution, and to encourage you to speak to your child about ‘stranger danger,’ and how to keep safe when coming to school and walking home.”
The letters listed safety measures to help the parents discuss the issue with their children.
These points include:
>> Stay away from strangers.
>> Do not talk or take anything from them.
>> Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know. Never accept a ride from a stranger.
>> Stay more than an arm’s reach from strangers. Seek help immediately from a trusted adult if you are approached by a stranger.
>> Use the buddy system; avoid walking anywhere alone.
>> If a stranger grabs you, do whatever it takes to stop the stranger, including yelling for help.
>> Report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.
>> Be aware of your surroundings and let others know where you will be and what time you will be back.
