Deer Valley Nified School District Calendar
Valley school district warns of someone trying to lure children into vehicle with candy
PHOENIX — Deer Valley Unified School District is warning families about instances of someone trying to lure students into their vehicle.
On Wednesday, a school official sent a letter to parents and guardians about two incidents involving the same vehicle that occurred on the morning of October 4.
A Deer Valley Middle School student waiting for the bus was approached and offered candy. The student reportedly walked away and called 911 after getting on the bus.
A Constitution Elementary School student riding a bike to school had the same experience and alerted staff about what happened.
School officials say in that incident, “those in the vehicle attempted to grab the student, but were thankfully unsuccessful.”
Phoenix police responded to both schools to investigate the reports.
School officials are reminding students to walk or ride to school in groups whenever possible, pay attention to their surroundings, don’t wait in unsupervised areas, and don’t talk to strangers if approached.
Gareth Guilford says he couldn’t imagine what he would do if that was his child.
“It does kind of hit home having a 15-year-old daughter and having a predator in the neighborhood. There’s monsters out there,” he said.
He adds they used to live yards away from one of the schools where the incident happened.
“It’s scary because, honestly…like if they were to grab your child, they would be gone in a matter of seconds and be anywhere. And…how do you find your kid?” Guilford asked.
Gareth’s daughter Brianna tells ABC15 that used to be her middle school, two years ago, and has always been extra cautious when walking to the bus stop.
”It’s honestly just terrifying, especially as a young female, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” she added.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Deer Valley Middle School is located near 27th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, while Constitution Elementary School is located near 15th Avenue and Union Hills Drive.
