The Oro Valley Police Department is looking for a man who reportedly asked children if they wanted to go home with him, making it the second stranger danger reported within a week.
On May 25, two 7-year-old boys were riding bicycles ahead of their parents near Hohokam Park, close to the intersection of North La Canada Drive and West Desert Fairways Drive, when they were approached by a man walking his dog, according to an Oro Valley police news release issued Tuesday. The man then asked the boys if they wanted to go home with him, leaving the area after the boys refused.
The man is described as being in his 70s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds, Police say he has white hair and was walking a medium-size white-and-brown fluffy dog.
Meanwhile, police were also investigating a similar incident in the area of West Molinetto Drive and North Piemonte Way on May 26.
In that incident, police say two 10-year-olds playing outside of a home were approached by a man in a small white sedan. The man reportedly offered the boys $5 each for no reason, then sped off out of the neighborhood after they refused.
One child described the driver as tanned with dark hair, a white shirt and dark purple sunglasses, police said.
It is unknown if these incidents are related or if the males described are the same person, police said.
Police are asking the community to stay vigilant and urge residents to immediately call 911 if they see something suspicious or have further information about the two reported incidents.
Police are also asking parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of talking to strangers and what they can do to keep themselves safe.
