Police: 'Suspicious' man tried to contact Iowa City elementary-aged child

Iowa City police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about strangers after an elementary-aged child reported that a “suspicious person” tried to make contact with him near Lucas Elementary School on Thursday.

Officers responded to the area of Dover Street and Muscatine Avenue about 2:20 p.m. Thursday after a child who was walking home from school said a man flagged him down and asked that he come over, according to Iowa City police.

The man was in a vehicle when he first called out to the child, and when the child didn't respond, the man got out of the vehicle and began approaching the child as he called out to him, police reported.

The child began to run, and the man didn't pursue him, according to police.

The boy described the man as a black male with a light complexion, possible about 50 years old. The man was wearing a dark colored top and blue jeans. He was driving a white car with a red bumper, according to the child's description.

Iowa City police said the man's intent is unknown, and the Iowa City Community School District is aware of the incident. Iowa City police will be providing extra patrols in the area.

The department is encouraging parents to talk with their children about strangers. Officers have the following tips for those discussions:

Explain to the child that there are good strangers and bad strangers. Good strangers might include teachers, police officers and store clerks. It's important for children to know where to go and who to go to if they are ever lost, scared or think someone is following them.

Make sure children know their name, address and phone number.

Children should avoid walking anywhere alone.

Teach children to trust their instincts. If they feel something isn't right, they should seek help immediately.

Tell children that if a stranger approaches them, they do not have to speak to them.

Children should never approach a stranger in a vehicle or accept gifts from a stranger.

Children should never go anywhere with a stranger.

If a child is approached by a person they don't know who tries to lure them away, they should try to get the attention of other adults. They can yell and run to the nearest home or business.

If a stranger physically tries to grab the child, the child should do everything they can to prevent being pulled away or into a vehicle. They should drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite and scream.