HESSTON – Law enforcement authorities in Harvey County have increased a police presence near schools in Hesston and are investigating two separate incidents.

Police reported in a media release, that in both instances, an adult in a vehicle approached and asked a USD 460 student if they wanted to get into the vehicle.

Both times the students knew what to do and ran away or rode away on a bicycle. One incident was shortly after school hours, the other was in the early evening.

The Hesston Police Department has increased patrol presence in the area of schools during those times. While there was no actual crime committed in these incidents, the behavior is suspicious enough that police there would like to locate the vehicle and driver for further investigation.

The vehicle and occupant have been described very similarly in both reported incidents as a small black, faded and rusty colored passenger car.

The driver is an older Caucasian male with brownish/gray hair, perhaps salt and pepper colored, has some gray facial hair, and was the only occupant of the vehicle.

The driver never attempted to exit the vehicle after verbally contacting the students and did not pursue the child in any way.

The Hesston Police Department also asked parents to take the time to talk to their school-aged children about stranger danger and reinforce to them to never approach a car or individual they don’t know.

If you or your child may have seen a vehicle and driver as described in these incidents, either before or after school, or after school activities, please contact the Hesston Police Department at 620-327-2020.