Racine police investigate attempted child enticement cases

RACINE -- Racine police are investigating a couple of cases of attempted child enticement that happened within minutes of each other on Wednesday, November 28th.

The first incident happened around 4 p.m. near Republic Ave. and Ohio St. A 12-year-old boy was walking home from Starbuck Middle School when an SUV pulled across the sidewalk, blocking the boy's path. The driver then made sexually-oriented motions to the victim and spoke briefly to him. The boy ran away from the suspect's vehicle -- and the suspect took off.

A few minutes later, a 17-year-old boy was walking near 17th St. and Ohio St., when the same vehicle and suspect pulled up alongside him. The suspect made several sexual oriented comments to the teen, then drove away eastbound on 17th St.

The suspect is described as a male, white, 27 - 35 years old, with a chubby face and neck, wearing a brown leather coat. The vehicle is described as a gold colored Mercedes-Benz SUV.

On Friday, November 30th, parents were not taking any chances. They were picking up their kids from school. Those parents are also reminded to speak to their children about talking to strangers and never go with anyone they do not know. Parents should report any suspicious persons or activity to the Racine Police Department.

Racine investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.