Man In Car Approaches Teen, Offers Ride To School: Officials

GREENPORT, NY — A man approached a teen on their way to school in Southold Thursday and offered a ride, officials said.

According to a message from Southold School Superintendent David Gamberg on the district's website, at 7:40 a.m. Friday, "a high school student was approached by a middle-aged white male in a silver or light-gray minivan on Traveler Street by the Southold Library. He offered the student a ride to school. Our student refused, proceeded to school, reported the incident, and is absolutely safe. The Southold Town Police and elementary school were made aware immediately."

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley confirmed that police "have been actively investigating all day, and are working on identifying the vehicle and the operator."

Gamberg also shared the information with neighboring school districts.

Gamberg added: "The safety of your children is of utmost importance to us. We are sending this letter as a precaution and to encourage you to continue to speak to your child about staying safe, specifically about 'stranger danger.'"

The district also added safety measures for kids:

- Stay away from strangers, do not talk to or take anything from them.

- Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know. Never accept a ride from a stranger.

- Stay more than an arm’s reach away from strangers. If a stranger approaches you, seek help immediately from a trusted adult.

- Use the buddy system; avoid walking anywhere alone.

- Report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.

- Be alert of your surroundings and let others know where you will be.