Man Said He Was Being Nice To 3rd Graders, Police Called

OAK CREEK, WI — An apparent act of kindness by an elderly hobbyist got him in hot water with local police after authorities said he should have talked with parents first before offering a homemade gift to two elementary school-aged girls.

Oak Creek police responded to Deerfield Elementary School on April 17 on a report of a suspicious person.

According to police reports, an off-duty school resource officer spoke with Deerfield principal Jim Arata that day, stating that a suspicious person was approaching children on the playground, offering them "fairy doors," after two third-grade students went to his residence to get books from his little free library box in his front yard.

A fairy door is a miniature door - typically doll-house sized - and is usually placed at the base of a tree. People can leave wishes, or gifts for the "fairies" by placing small gifts or notes behind the door.

According to the report, when the girls went up the man's little free library in front of his house one day, they did not find books they wanted. The man came out and talked with the girls and said he offered to give them fairy doors that he makes for his own grandchildren instead.

According to the report, the man brought the doors to school for the girls and ultimately gave them to school staff. Police met with the man, who told him that making contact with young children when parents aren't around can be taken the wrong way.

Image Via Shutterstock