Stranger Grabs Student, Asks If She Wants To Fight: Oak Park Police

OAK PARK, IL — Oak Park Police is heightening security around schools in the village after a student was reportedly approached by a stranger Friday morning. The man reportedly grabbed the sixth-grade girl by the arm and asked her "if she wanted to fight." The student was able to get free and flee to her home, but the matter sparked an investigation by law enforcement.

The girl, who attends Julian Middle School, was walking on Jackson Boulevard, when she was approached and grabbed, Chris Jasculca, senior director of policy, planning, and communication at Oak Park Distric 97 told Patch via email Monday.

In a letter to parents, Jasculca said Oak Park Police have a "person of interest they are pursuing" based on the student's description. In addition to an increased police presence at Oak Park Schools, officials are reminding students and their parents to take additional safety measures:

• Walk on sidewalks
• Avoid alleys
• Do not engage with strangers
• Stay aware of surroundings
• If concerned about an individual, notify an adult immediately
• Never approach a vehicle
• Yell loudly and run if in danger
• Inform parents if something happens
• Parents should contact police immediately

Jasculca added that the school district commends the student for the "instincts and intelligence she exhibited in response to this situation."

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