KENT COUNTY, Mich. — An investigation is underway after two elementary students were allegedly approached by a stranger and briefly followed in what deputies are calling an attempted abduction.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said they first received reports of the incident around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Two elementary students were walking home from their bus stop when a blue minivan, driven by a woman, approached them in the 7000 block of Silverthorn Drive SE.
Deputies say the woman then allegedly asked the two children, a 12-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, if they wanted a ride home. The children declined, and the van followed them for a short distance before the children made it home safely.
The children are part of the Forest Hills Public Schools district. School officials are now working with the sheriff's office to investigate.
Around 7 p.m. Wednesday, a letter from Superintendent Ben Kirby was sent to parents informing them of the incident.
"Our students’ safety is our top priority and we partner with families to help keep students safe. Detectives are investigating this incident," read the letter.
The school also used the letter to remind parents to discuss with their children what they should do in a similar situation.
"These students did exactly what they were supposed to do and we are glad they are safe," Kirby said. "Together we can continue to provide a safe environment for our students and our community."
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said they are exhausting all leads in the incident, and also asked the public to call them at 616-632-6125, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 to report information safely and anonymously.
You can read the full letter parents received here: