SAMMAMISH, Wash. — The Sammamish Police Department and the King County Sheriff's Office have increased patrols near Margaret Mead Elementary School after two separate reports of a man trying to lure students into a van.
Both incidents were reported by students who were on their way to school in the morning. In each instance, the kids told school staff the man asked them to get into the van.
There were no reports of force or physical contact being made in either incident.
The first student told school officials they were approached on Monday, Dec. 16 while riding their bicycle to school on NE 21st Way.
The second student said they were approached while walking to school on 216th Avenue NE on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Both locations are within the immediate area surrounding the school.
"Definitely... we are worried," one parent told KING 5. "We pick up our daughter every day so it's under our control, but we're still worried something like this can even happen in our neighborhood."
On Tuesday, parents and guardians received a letter signed by Joyce Guinevere, the school's interim principal, and Sgt. Christine Elias of the Sammamish Police Department.
"The safety of our students and staff is our top priority in both Lake Washington School District and the Sammamish Police Department," the letter said. "It is our shared responsibility to teach children what to do if approached by a stranger. To assure our students' well-being and protection, please reinforce the safety rules taught in school. If your child walks or rides a bike to school, please make sure they walk or ride with another student or in groups."
The district said additional staff has been assigned to the school to help keep students safe.
In the letter, parents were urged to remind students to call 911 if they feel in danger. For non-emergency calls, or to report information about either incident, the Sammamish Police Department can be reached at 206-296-3311.