Peabody Issues Warning About Man Who Approached Child

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Police will increase patrols near schools in the city as they look for a man who approached a child from behind as he rode his scooter near Swampscott Avenue and Washington Street around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The suspect was described as being about 5'9" and was wearing a red hat or a red, hooded sweatshirt.

Peabody police and school officials issued a warning to parents Wednesday and said the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with questions or information is asked to contact Officer Rick Cochran at 978-265-5729.

The school department also issued tips for talking with kids about safety and stranger danger. The complete notice is available online.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).