Stranger tries to lure child into his car

There is increased police presence in the Pinecrest neighborhood after a stranger tried to get a boy into his car on March 19 at Pinecrest Vista Drive and Sand Wedge Court.

The Columbia Elementary School student was walking home from his bus stop at about 4:20 p.m. on March 19 when he noticed a red four-door sedan with dark tinted windows slowly driving behind him, states an email from Principal Michael Cunningham.

Eventually the car stopped next to the student, and an unknown man asked the student if he wanted a ride home. The child said no and ran home.

The driver was a white or Hispanic man in his 30s to 40s with a moustache. He was wearing a blue hoodie and a blue baseball cap with a red “B” on the front.

The Fairfax County Police Department reports that officers searched the area but did not find the vehicle.

“Student safety is our top priority, and we want to work with you to ensure their safety as they travel to and from school,” Cunningham’s email states. “Please talk with your son or daughter and urge them to always be aware of their surroundings and to avoid any seemingly dangerous situations. Students should travel in pairs whenever possible and immediately report any suspicious behavior to a known adult or the police.”

Anyone with information about this incident should call the police, 703-691-2131.