x
Breaking News
More () »

Driver tries to get elementary student into car, Pleasant Valley district on high alert

A student at Hopewell Elementary School in Bettendorf was approached by a man after school Wednesday, May 11, 2016, putting school staff and parents on high ale...

A student at Hopewell Elementary School in Bettendorf was approached by a man after school Wednesday, May 11, 2016, putting school staff and parents on high alert.

According to the Pleasant Valley School District, a man driving a red four-door car went up to a student at Hopewell Elementary on Wednesday afternoon and tried to get the student in the car. That didn't happen, and the student told school staff and their parents immediately. This prompted a message to be sent out to parents Wednesday night and extra school resource officers near the school Thursday morning.

Pleasant Valley Superintendent Jim Spelhaug says that communication with staff and parents is key in keeping their kids safe, as well as educating students about the dangers of being approached by strangers.

"Varying from the grade levels, it'll be a bit different. This is a teachable moment and we want to take advantage of it. It's a message you can't reinforce too often," Spelhaug said.

Students at every level in the district are getting that reminder at some point this week. They are planning on keeping a close eye out at all their schools for any sort of similar suspicious activity.

Though extra cautious now, the student is safe and everything before school on Thursday went on just like normal.

The person in question is described as a white male driving a red four-door car. If you have any information about who this might be, you're asked to contact the Bettendorf Police Department.

Before You Leave, Check This Out