March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Man approaches 2 children at recess> Boy and girl report to teacher after conversations with dirt-bike rider

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Two attempted abductions were reported by children at Morton Avenue Elementary School during a lunch-hour recess this week.

Principal Frederick Johnston confirmed that the two children, a boy and a girl, both 8 years old, were approached Monday by a male on a dirt bike. The man asked the boy if he wanted a ride on his bike. The boy refused. The man then threatened the boy, saying that he would run over him the next time he saw him outside. The boy said the man also spat on him before he ran to inform the teacher on duty about the incident.

Seconds later, the man approached the girl and offered her candy and a ride, but she too said no and ran to the teacher, according to Johnston.

Police have a suspect in the incident, according to Lt. Tom Russell, who said the matter was under investigation.

Johnston praised the two children who did exactly what they should have done in such a situation. He said the pair would be used as examples in training other children at the school on how to handle such incidents.

The principal said he believes it was the first such incident at the school and an isolated one. He said changes have been recommended next year to have fewer students out for recess at any one time and more organized play for better observation of the students.


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