FMPD: Man tries to lure 9-year-old into car

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Fort Myers police are investigating a report of a suspicious person near the area of Canal Street and Broadway Avenue.

Officers say on Monday around 2:30 p.m., a 9-year-old was walking on Canal Street between Jackson Street and Broadway Avenue when he was approached by a man driving an orange pick-up truck.

The man asked the child if he needed a ride, but he was ignored by the 9-year-old. Police say the suspect called out to the child a second time, saying the child’s mother sent him to pick up the boy. The child quickly ran away toward a school bus in the area that was dropping off children.

The suspect then left the area and was last seen heading eastbound on Canal Street.

“Our kids can’t even walk the street,” said Fort Myers resident Freddie Harris. “Every time you let them out of the house, you have to be protective of them and it shouldn’t be like that.”

Harris says he’s only lived in the neighborhood for two years, but he’s seen more than his fair share of suspicious activity.

Detectives say another similar incident took place one-month prior with the same suspect and vehicle. In that case, the victim was walking near Jackson Street and Linhart Avenue when the suspect pulled into a home’s driveway nearby and watched the child from a distance. Authorities say the man was seen standing outside the truck, watching as the child walked home.

Shirlee Langford has two children of her own and says, “Just makes me really want to pack up and leave.

The suspect is described as being 6 feet tall, 45-55 years old with a full grey beard. Fort Myers police say he was driving a newer model truck, or possibly well taken care of older model, with four-doors and tinted windows.

If you have any information, call the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS or text message C-R-I-M-E-S (274637) Keyword FMPD. Tipsters can remain anonymous.