Man tries to lure Collier County elementary student into his car

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UPDATE: The man depicted in sketches and accused of attempting to a lure a student into his car was only trying to get directions to drop his child off to the same school, deputies said.

Creole speaker accused of attempted luring in ‘misunderstanding’

GOLDEN GATE, Fla. – A man tried to lure a 5th-grade boy off a bike and into his car Wednesday around 8:10 a.m., deputies say.stranger danger

The boy was riding his bicycle about a block away from Golden Terrace Elementary when he noticed a man stop his car in the middle of the road, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. That man then got out of his car and spoke in English and Creole, telling the boy to get in, deputies said. The boy continued to ride his bike, then reported the incident to his teachers.

Neighbors said they are disheartened by the boy’s account to deputies.

“I’m shocked but I’m not shocked,” said Bruce Powell, who lives near the school. “I’m disturbed by it, but it happens. It’s not unusual anymore, sad to say. I mean, you’re not shocked when you hear this kind of stuff. Enough goes on every place, every day. It’s disappointing. It’s sickening. It’s something that we deal with it.”

The principal at Golden Terrace Elementary is working to ensure students are educated about what to do in situations involving strangers. A flier will be sent home with students who will also receive a lesson from the youth relations deputy.

There have been seven incidents involving men trying to lure Collier County children. CCSO has solved three.

If you have any information, call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300.

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