GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Parents of Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) students received a concerning letter on Tuesday. The district notified all families and staff that a "deeply concerning" incident had occurred involving a student.
The district said that while a student was waiting for the bus Tuesday morning, a "suspicious individual" approached the student.
They did not share any more details of the incident, besides sharing that the student is safe and that the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has a suspect in custody.
GRPD confirmed to 13 ON YOUR SIDE that they do have a person in custody and that the case has been handed over to the prosecutor's office for review.
The letter from GRPS to families said, in part:
"Please know that safety is our top priority. While this incident and a prior report of a suspicious person earlier this year are not believed to be connected, they serve as important reminders for us all to prioritize safety practices. We encourage families to discuss safety practices with their children, such as staying alert, traveling in groups when possible, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
As a community, we can take small steps to enhance safety. For example, leaving porch lights on in the morning hours can provide additional visibility for scholars walking to bus stops or school."
