Minnesota Parents On Edge After Stranger Tries To Lure Kids Into Van

I can’t imagine anything more frightening for a parent than hearing a van was driving around your neighborhood, trying to lure kids inside.

According to authorities, a van approached a group of five children. The driver, a Black male, exited the van and offered the kids a snack, but only if they got into the vehicle to get it.

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Suspicious Van in MN Offers Kids a Snack to Lure Them In

The children did the right thing. They refused the offer and immediately reported the encounter to a nearby adult. The school district then contacted their school resource officer, who is now working with the district to investigate and enhance safety protocols.

The chilling encounter took place near Moreland Elementary School in West St. Paul. Police are actively investigating the incident and say, “We commend the students for their quick thinking and courage in responding to this situation, and we thank their families and school staff for helping prepare them for such encounters.”

Police and Parents Urged to Stay Alert

Officials are reminding parents to talk with their children about personal safety and how to respond to strangers. Police are also searching for the vehicle involved, believed to be a Ford 350 Sprinter van. They’ve released blurry surveillance images and are asking anyone with information to call 651-322-2323.

Online, commenters are questioning the poor quality of the camera footage. Some are calling for better surveillance systems in schools and neighborhoods. One person even shared a video that appears to show the same van driving through another nearby neighborhood.