Possible kidnap attempt pursued by authorities

Bloomfield Township police were notified this morning, Friday, September 8, of an incident of stranger danger (attempted kidnapping) involving a student at Way Elementary who was approached by a male on school property between 3:55 p.m. and 4:10 p.m on Thursday, September 7.

According to both officer Nick Soley of the Bloomfield Township Police Department and Bloomfield Hills Schools Interim Superintendent Randy Liepa, a man approached a Way Elementary student on school property during dismissal. The man said, “hey,” to the student, and requested the student come with him to his vehicle and he would give the student candy at his house.

The man is described as a white male, thin build, approximately six feet tall with light colored hair and facial hair. The male is believed to be between the ages of 30 and 40. He was seen wearing jeans and a gray hoodie with the hood up on his head.

“We applaud this student for being diligent of their surroundings, notifying a trusted adult, and explaining the situation clearly to their parents, school administration, and our police partners,” Liepa said.

Soley said police are requesting that anyone at Way Elementary around the time of this incident with a vehicle recording, or other electronic recording, to please review it and contact Bloomfield Hills School Resource Officer Tom Riney at triney@bloomfieldtwp.org, or the Bloomfield Township Police Department, 248.433.7755.

The township police also noted that if anyone sees this individual or if he approaches you or your children, to not engage with him but to immediately call 911.

Soley noted this is an ongoing investigation, as did Liepa.

“Student safety is our top priority and we are grateful for our partnerships with the Bloomfield Township Police Department. If there are additional updates to share, we will be sure to inform the community,” Liepa said.