Crime & Safety
Want a Ride Home? Newport Police Investigate Reports Monday a Stranger in a Car Approached a Child
Parents were concerned about a story a child had been offered a ride home after he stepped off his school bus at the corner of Gibbs Avenue.
NEWPORT, RI—The story has been all over social media about a 9-year-old boy who stepped off a school bus Monday and was asked if he wanted a ride home. According to Newport police, the incident happened near Gibbs Avenue and Bliss Road, and the boy was carrying a large musical instrument at the time. He refused the ride.
Police said the child did the right thing and was never in danger.
"After a thorough review we are confident that there is no threat to the public at this time," Sgt. Jason Kleinknecht, community policing officer, said. "We ask that the public report any suspicious activity to the police and for parents to use this isolated incident to remind their children regarding the dangers of accepting rides from strangers."
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