Candy-offering strangers in Coldwater

COLDWATER, Mich. (WOOD) - The Coldwater Department of Public Safety and Coldwater Community Schools are investigating two incidents in which strangers in vehicles offered candy to students.

The latest incident occurred Thursday when two students reported they were walking to Max Larsen Elementary School and walked by a parked vehicle in a parking lot.

Someone in the vehicle asked the students if they wanted candy, according to a news release.

Neither child replied and continued walking to school where they reported the incident to school staff.

Police investigated and spoke to the two students who gave police some descriptions of the suspect and his vehicle -- a young, white male, possibly of high school age, and having acne or a rough complexion; and a dark-colored, possibly burgundy or black, vehicle.

During the investigation, a third student told police that while walking after school on Wednesday on N. Polk Street that a vehicle driving by slowed down and the driver asked the boy if he wanted candy.

Other people in the car were laughing. The child did not respond and continued walking, and the vehicle fled the area.

This driver is described as a young, white male, possibly of high school age, and having dark hair. His vehicle was dark-colored, dirty, and occupied by younger passengers.

School officials and the police department are working together to monitor the school grounds and surrounding neighborhoods.

If you know anything about these incidents then you are asked to call police at 517.278.4525 or Silent Observer at 517.279.2000.