Driver tried to lure students into vehicle
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office was investigating an incident last week in which a man tried to lure two elementary-school students into his vehicle.
About 7:10 a.m. last Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy assigned as a school resource officer at Brockington Elementary School noticed two unaccompanied female students speaking to an individual in a black four-door newer-model Chevrolet Silverado on Brockington Road near the school.
The deputy called for the two students to keep walking to school.
The deputy questioned the students about the driver of the vehicle. Both students indicated they did not know the driver and described him as black male with dreadlocks.
The students said the driver previously spoke with one of the students’ mother, who was walking them to school. The male driver circled back around and approached the two students who were by themselves at this point.
Both stated the driver told them to get into his vehicle, and he would take them to school. The mother was contacted, and she indicated to the deputy the male driver commented on her appearance and asked for her name and phone number, then drove off. The mother stated she did not know the male driver.
After receiving this information, the deputy requested assistance to locate the vehicle. Sheriff’s patrol deputies and Darlington Police assisted with the search. Law enforcement was unable to locate the vehicle or the driver.
“The safety and security of our children and schools is my No. 1 priority,” stated Sheriff Tony Chavis. “I commend my deputy for remaining vigilant, and I ask parents and others to report any unusual activity around our schools to law enforcement immediately.”
This incident remains under investigation. If you have any information, you are asked to contact Darlington County Sheriff’s Investigators at (843) 398-4501 or Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at 1-888-CRIME-SC or visit p3tips.com.