Child Stalked By Man In Car, Told To 'Get In': West Hartford Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police are looking for the public's help as they investigate a frightening incident Thursday where a juvenile walking home from school was stalked by a man in a car and, reportedly, ordered the pupil to get in the vehicle.

According to the West Hartford Police Department, which issued a release on the matter Friday afternoon, the incident happened Thursday between 3:30 and 3:40 p.m.

Police said a juvenile stepped off a school bus near the intersection of Kirkwood Road and Bainton Road.

While walking, the juvenile noticed a blue sedan following behind them, according to police.

Police said the operator of the blue sedan, described as an older male with gray hair, reportedly rolled down his window and told the juvenile to “get in.”

The juvenile ran to a nearby residence where the homeowner contacted both the juvenile’s parents and the West Hartford Police Department, police said.

The juvenile was not harmed during the incident.

"As part of the investigation, the area was canvassed for video surveillance cameras that may have captured portions of the incident. Anyone with possible useful video is asked to contact the West Hartford PD," wrote the police department.

The West Hartford Police Department is working with West Hartford Public Schools administration and West Hartford Public School security.

West Hartford Police Department detectives and school resource officers are involved in the investigation.

"In response to this incident, there will be a heightened presence of police personnel in the neighborhood during pick up and drop off times," police said. "We ask that our community members immediately contact the West Hartford Police Department with any information that may help us investigate this incident, or to report similar conduct."

Anyone with information should contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or utilize the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.