SHELBYVILLE -
The Shelbyville Police Department and Shelbyville Central Schools are asking parents to watch their children more closely at school bus stops after an attempted child abduction Tuesday morning.
Police were called to the area of Sunset and Miller Streets shortly after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday after a nine-year-old girl reported that a man tried to grab her.
"My dog kept barking and I asked my husband, 'What's she barking at?' and he said, 'There is somebody walking down the street'," said Sandy Theobald.
Police say that person is suspected of trying to grab the girl, who told police that a Caucasian man, 5'8", heavy build, bald, with a scar on his right arm and a ring on his left hand, tried to grab her and leave with her. She was able to get away and the man ran from the area.
The girl also told police the man was wearing sweat pants, a T-shirt, and was not wearing shoes. He is believed to be older than 40.
Officers arrived and searched the area, but did not locate the suspect.
Shelbyville Schools sent out an alert message to parents before school started.
"We are a small enough community that this doesn't happen a lot," said Theobald.
A group of boys told Eyewitness News Tuesday morning, the suspect description matches that of a man they say has been hanging around for days.
"Every morning, we see him drive around and he keeps on coming back," said Jeremy Coy.
"I knew I saw something on his right elbow, like a scar or something," Brandon Coy said.
The boys say a man matching the description followed them around the playground at Sunset Park over the weekend. The boys ride the same bus as the girl who was grabbed, just a few minutes later.
Their father said, until now, he never thought twice about letting them go to the bus stop alone. "I don't think they should come out here by themselves any more. Not at least until they found out who he is and get him and take him to jail."
In addition to an extra police presence Wednesday, police are encouraging parents to monitor bus stops closely - both before and after school - for the next few days and to talk to their children about talking to strangers.
The school corporation has also asked bus drivers to be on the lookout as well.
Contact Shelbyville Police at 317-392-2511 with relevant information. Police say they have put extra patrols in the area and are asking if you know the suspect to call police and not approach him.
The Shelbyville Police Department along with Shelbyville Central Schools are requesting parents watch the bus stops a little closer in the morning and after school. The police department will be providing extra patrols at all the bus stops located within the city.
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