Stranger Danger: Man Asks Student To Get In His Car At Seaholm High School

BIRMINGHAM (WWJ) - Birmingham police are alerting the public about a possible "stranger danger" incident that happened at Seaholm High School.

Police say a student was in the back of the school's parking lot, near Cranbrook Road, around noon Tuesday when he was approached by a man in a red car.

The student told police the man asked him to get into his car and give him directions to the mall.

"After the student said no, the driver became angry and sped off," police said in a statement.

It's unknown what the man's intentions were, but police are still notifying the community of the incident.

The driver is described as an older white man, with a scruffy beard and white whiskers, and male-patterned baldness with white-brownish hair. He also had an accent. His vehicle was described as a rusty, older-model red car -- but the make and model is unknown.

Anyone who has information on the driver is urged to contact police at 248-530-1771.

Police are encouraging parents to discuss the following safety tips with their children:

• Know where you are going and the safest way to get there.
• Always take care when walking or biking.
• Avoid isolated areas and do not wear headphones or text while walking. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Walking around with a cell phone in sight can make you an easy target.
• Always tell an adult where you are going and what time you'll be back. Whenever possible, travel with a friend or group of friends.
• If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest store or public place. If there isn't a store or public area nearby, keep moving and don't be afraid to yell for help or make other noise to draw attention to the situation.
• Report anything suspicious to the police as quickly as possible and provide as much detail as you can.