September 1, 2010

Dear Parent or Guardian,

I would like to make you aware of an attempted child abduction that occurred on August 26, 2010.  An eight-year-old female student reported that at approximately 3:00 p.m. she was walking home from the school bus stop in the 1600 block of TuCasa Drive, when a man attempted to abduct her.  Thankfully, she resisted the man’s efforts and ran home to safety, where the police were called.  The perpetrator fled the area in an unknown direction. 

The suspect is described as a White or Hispanic male, approximately 30 years of age, bald, and clean shaven.  According to our student, he spoke both English and Spanish.  He was driving a small, red SUV with tinted windows.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call the Irving Police Department immediately at 972-273-1010.

I have just learned of a separate incident that occurred during the week before the start of school involving yet another student (a third grade male).  According to our student, a man approached him while he was at his apartment complex; thankfully, the student ran to safety.  The Irving Police Department is investigating this matter.

Please note below that I’ve listed a few safety tips to share and practice with your children (some tips are for elementary students, while others are for secondary).  As well, I encourage you to review the district’s website for parents (http://www.irvingisd.net/parents/default.htm) and for safety and security (http://www.irvingisd.net/facilities/safety/default.htm) to obtain additional information. 

• Refrain from writing your student’s name, address, and telephone number on the outside of his/her backpack or notebook.
• Ensure your student can tell trusted adults his/her full name, address, and telephone number.
• Walk the route home with your child and identify homes of neighbors he/she can go to if necessary.  Steer clear of areas with obstructed views.
• Encourage your child to walk with friends whenever possible and to walk with his/her head up.
• Teach your child not to talk with strangers who are in a car or on foot.  Teach your child never to get into a stranger’s vehicle.
• If at all possible, escort your child to and from his/her bus stop.  Do this before and after school.
• Always know what your child is wearing.  Teach your child to avoid wearing headphones while walking.
• Teach your child to trust his/her instincts.  If it doesn’t look right or feel right, it isn’t right.  Tell a parent or trusted adult.
• Teach your child to be vocal if a stranger attempts to grab him/her.  Teach him/her to hit and kick and scream as he/she attempts to get free; then teach him/her to run away from the stranger.

It is our goal to ensure our youngest students receive very specific training on how to protect themselves from dangerous strangers within the next week…and please know that all students receive this same training from our counselors and our Irving Police campus liaisons throughout the year.  We are truly committed to working with you as together we do those things designed to keep your children safe.

Thank you for your time.  I encourage you to speak with your principal if you have specific questions or concerns about this matter.  As well, always feel free to contact me.  My office number is 972-600-5140 and my email is plamb@irvingisd.net. 

Respectfully,

J. Pat Lamb
Director of Security & Operations