Hartland Stranger Danger Case Follows Recent Report in Fenton Area

Tuesday's report of in the Hartland village area follows news of a similar case in the Fenton area.

Last week, the Fenton Police Department posted information received from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about a suspicious man near bus stops in the district.

The suspect in the Fenton incident has been described as an older white male, approximately 5’10”, thin build, with light (possibly blonde) shoulder length hair. The man is on foot and has been seen approaching children and asking them questions. A person matching this description was also seen in the Grand Blanc area recently, the Fenton Police Department posted on its Facebook page.

The Fenton Press reported Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said students reported an older man with a laser pointer standing in the woods by the Pheasant Run Manor apartments near Fenton Road on Sept. 21. The article also stated, a different man ran up to a 12-year-old boy who had just left his house on North Long Lake Road, near Fenton Road, to ride the bus on Sept. 23.

Residents in surrounding areas expressed concerns on the Fenton Police Department Facebook Page.

Cecilia Gonzales posted, “this sounds a lot like the same suspect who was in Davison last year approaching kids at bus stops.”

Carrie Bard-Denike posted, “…Someone was trying to talk to kids from their car in spring this year in Linden. I wonder if it could be the same person. I will watch out.”

Earlier this year, there were in the Fenton area and , a licensed professional counselor with Ascend Counseling Services in Fenton. Daniels said that children need to be told never go to or with a stranger, no matter what the stranger says to them. She advises parents and children to agree on a code word that only they know, such as spaghetti or hearts and rainbows. Children need to know that if there is a real emergency, the parent will have someone use the code word. This will help the child feel confident that they are safe to go with the adult.

“Parents and children can practice different scenarios that could take place," she said. "For example, someone asking for directions: Someone says to your child, 'Your mommy/daddy is in trouble’; someone says, 'I have a puppy/kitten, do you want to see?' ”

If the child does not hear the code word, he or she should say, "I can't talk to strangers," or "I can't go with you," and then run away, said Daniels.

Daniels said people should know their neighbors and neighborhood; a neighborhood watch is useful, she said. Residents should also check the sex offender lists and be aware of who is around them, she advised.

Chief Rick Aro has told Fenton Patch, “I think it is real important to talk to kids and make sure they know what to do when approached by a stranger. They need to leave the area immediately and go to someone they trust to get help.”

Increase child safety

Daniels reminds parents that the goal is not to scare children and make them feel like their world is scary, but to give them tools to feel like they have control and know what to do. 

What families can do to increase child safety:

• Be honest and talk with each other.
• Adults should be careful to not pass on their own anxiety and fears to their children.
• Choose a special code word and make sure each child knows it.
• Practice scenarios.
• Have children practice describing people and details.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Establish a neighborhood watch.
• Check the sex offender registry.
• Be aware that most children are harmed by a friend or relative.