Supe Urges Caution After Stranger Offers Female Student A Ride

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold Schools Superintendent David Gamberg sent a letter to parents urging caution after an incident recently during which a man stopped to offer a female student a ride.

According to the letter on the district's website, which was dated Dec. 5, early the week before at 8 a.m., a student was approached at the bus stop by a "black male in a 4-door gray car" who offered to drive her to school, saying that she had missed the bus. "She refused and he drove away without further incident," the letter said. Southold Police were notified, Gamberg said.

"The safety of your children is of the utmost importance to us," he added, explaining that the letter was sent as a precaution and to urge parents to speak to their kids about "stranger danger." Gamberg then offered some safety measures:

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