VERNON -- Police are asking for the public's help in finding a man who reportedly drove up to a young girl Friday afternoon and made inappropriate comments right after she got off the school bus.
Police said the girl did the right thing which was to run away and call 911.
It happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. when the middle school aged girl was walking in the area of Tracy Drive and Vernon Summit Drive.
Lisa Stevenson lives in the neighborhood and she warned her daughter about strangers all the time.
"You know, I think we all as parents we try to stranger danger it’s real. I mean, we tell my daughter all the time. I mean, it’s not to scare her but it can happen and you don’t talk to people you don’t know," said Stevenson of Vernon.
Police released the photos of the car - it was a dark-colored Nissan that was driven by a black man in his 20s with short, dark hair.
Police said the girl was not injured and the man did not try to get her into his face, but she did run home to tell a parent and call police.
Stevenson said it is typically a very quiet neighborhood but has had her own experience with sketchy situations.
"It’s scary. We’ve had other little suspicious activity happen around here in the past. My mom was babysitting and some people knocked on the door and my mom just shut the door really quick," added Stevenson.
Vernon Public Schools have been made aware of the incident and police are working with school officials to ensure the safety of all the students.
"It’s important to be aware of where your children are and it’s important to talk to your children, have a discussion about what they should do in a situation like this," said Lt. William Meier of the Vernon Police Department.
If you recognize the car or witness any suspicious activity in the area, you are urged to contact police immediately.