Police to increase patrols after ‘stranger danger’ reported in Leawood

Police will increase patrols after a student at Corinth Elementary School in Leawood told police a stranger offered him candy while riding his bike home from school Wednesday.

Leawood police were notified by the boy’s parents Thursday morning. The school is located at 83rd Street and Mission Road.

The student told police he was riding his bike home from school about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when a stranger in a newer, gray minivan pulled up alongside him near 89th and Fairway streets and offered him a ride home. When the boy declined, the driver offered him candy.

According to police, the boy again declined and turned off 89th Street.

The driver was last seen turning east on 87th Terrace. He never exited the vehicle, police said.

The driver was described as a white male in his late teens to early 20s, wearing a white T-shirt. His hair was dyed orange and worn in dreadlocks. The van had several white circular stickers on the driver’s door.

Anyone who may recognize the description of the driver or may have seen something similar in the area Wednesday afternoon is asked to contact the Leawood Police Department’s Investigation Unit at 913-663-9309.