Superintendent Dr. Smith Sends Parents Warning About Predator in Area

Report by Paula Antolini


Message just received moments ago today, March 4, 2014, from Superintendent Kevin Smith:


Dear Parents and Guardians:
 
A short while ago Bethel Middle School administrators received the following report from a student:
 
Yesterday, March 3, 2014, a 7th grade female student was dropped off from the late bus around 4:15pm at the intersection of 58 and 302.  The middle school student began walking to her home on Putnam Park Road (toward Redding).  While she was walking down route 58 on the left side of the road, a white industrial van with no markings stopped and made a semi U turn in the road.  The student reported that she heard a door open and when she turned around, a white male was coming out of the van and began to run after her.  The student then ran to her house which was just a few yards away.  When she got into her house, she saw the man get back into his van and drive away down route 58 toward Redding.  The man was described as a white male in his 30's.  He was wearing a white t-shirt, black, pants, and black shoes.  The man was described as clean cut with no noticeable facial hair or tattoos, or other markings.
 
The Bethel Police Department has been notified and is investigating this incident. We have also spoken to our bus company and drivers are on alert. At this time we have no further information, but wanted you to be aware of this report.  We will also be sharing this information with neighboring school districts.
 
 
Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools