Taylor police are asking the public to be on alert regarding a suspicious person who allegedly approached a 10-year-old child in the Target store on Pardee Road and asked if the child wanted to see Pokémon cards he had in his vehicle.
Police said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Jan. 29, that they investigated and, at this time, they do not believe a crime has been committed.
“However, the Taylor Police Department is sharing this information to raise awareness, help prevent potential future incidents, and encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and aware of interactions involving children in public places,” the post said.
The man approached the child, who was accompanied by an adult, at about 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. He began asking the child about Pokémon cards, including inquiring if the child wanted to see some that he had in his vehicle, police said. The child and adult left the area immediately and notified authorities.
He was described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, wearing a blue beanie-style hat and beige hoodie and having a short beard.
“If you have had similar incidents involving the individual fitting this description, please contact the Taylor Police Department,” the post said.
Detective Lt. Joshua Schneider said police observed the interaction between the suspicious person, the child and the accompanying adult on store surveillance cameras.
“While the interaction may have been creepy, there is no audio to verify the statement and even so, the statement and action in and of itself are not criminal,” he said in an email. “We can’t release a photo and taint someone’s reputation over an incident that is not a crime.
Schneider said Taylor police released a bulletin to area departments asking if they have had any similar incidents reported.
“If we receive more reports of incidents, then the situation will be re-evaluated and a picture may be released at that time,” he said.
Taylor police are also encouraging parents to talk to their children about safety in public and to report any suspicious behavior.
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