Update 5:52 PM: After a thorough and diligent investigation, Snoqualmie officers have determined that the individual in question is a construction worker who was working on a nearby house and that the situation resulted from a misunderstanding, likely due to a communication barrier. We do not believe this to be an attempted child luring event.
Please note that there will be ongoing construction in the area of Opstad Elementary, which typically involves nondescript white vans. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, call the Snoqualme Police.
They want to take this opportunity to thank the community for staying vigilant and looking out for one another. Your awareness and care for our children and neighbors make our community strong.
Important Safety Alert for the Snoqualmie Valley
Yesterday, the Snoqualmie Police Department received a report of a concerning incident at a local bus stop in North Bend. A man in a white van approached children waiting for the bus and offered them a ride.
Thankfully, the children declined and immediately reported the incident. This event serves as a reminder for all of us to stay vigilant and remind our kids of these key safety tips:
- Walk to the Bus with a Buddy: If possible, arrange for children to walk to and from the bus stop with a friend, neighbor, or trusted adult. There’s safety in numbers.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Help your child stay aware of their surroundings. Remind them to keep an eye out for unfamiliar vehicles or people.
- Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early mornings or late afternoons, to be seen easily in low light.
- Trust Their Instincts: Encourage your child to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, they should walk away from the situation and find a trusted adult or call for help.
- Avoid Talking to Strangers: Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept anything from them, including rides, gifts, or invitations to go somewhere.
- Wait with Friends: It’s safer for children to wait with friends or in groups. Encourage them to avoid being alone at the bus stop if possible.
In response to this incident, you may notice extra patrols and officers in the area around schools and bus stops as a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our community. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, please get in touch with the Snoqualmie Police at 425-888-3333, opt. 1 or call 911 in an emergency.
[Information provided by the Snoqualmie Police Department]
