Overland Park Police say a 17-year-old girl was walking to school Wednesday morning when a man in a car approached her and asked if she wanted a ride.
The girl told police she refused to get into the man’s older red four door sedan while walking towards Blue Valley Northwest High School. She says the driver said “you are beautiful by the way” before taking off.
“She did one quick look back just to make sure that car continued going the opposite direction," said Director of Safety and Security for Blue Valley Schools, Dan Carney.
Once the girl made it to Blue Valley Northwest High School, she told a counselor who called police. Carney says she did all the right things to protect herself.
"She didn't try to get into any confrontation, she didn't try to go and gather additional information that might have been difficult to get, might have put her in harm's way which we are glad about she just kept heading straight to school,” said Carney.
Still, the incident has left parents living in the neighborhood of 133rd and Switzer on edge.
"It was really scary to know that it can happen so close to home and I am glad to know that she was fine and to encourage our children to yell and not take the ride," said Gina Harris.
The student says the man appeared to be in his mid-twenties with dark hair and a beard. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward, and reminding the public to be vigilant.
“It doesn't really matter where you live you always need to be on high alert and to be aware of your surroundings," said Harris.
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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com
