Investigation into suspicious incident at Ackerman's Park in West Bend reveals no threat to the public

WEST BEND -- Officials with the Washington County Sheriff's Office say an investigation into a suspicious person at Ackerman's Park has revealed there is no threat to any members of the public.


Sheriff's officials on Monday, May 23rd were notified of a suspicious situation that occurred at Ackerman's Park on County Highway Z in West Bend around 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

Two young girls, ages nine and 11, reported that a red or maroon older model minivan driven by a man in his 60s or 70s had stopped, and the man held out candy, asking whether the girls wanted any.

The girls refused, and quickly left the area.

The vehicle was then seen leaving the park.

Sheriff's officials provided a description of the man, and on Tuesday, May 24th, Sheriff's officials said that person has been identified.

A detective made contact with an 86-year-old West Bend man, acting on a tip from a citizen familiar with this person. The citizen indicated this man has offered candy to children at restaurants in the past.

The man admitted to officials that he had offered some children candy at Ackerman's Park.

It is believed that the man had no bad intentions and has been known to do similar acts of kindness in the past, officials said.

Sheriff's officials say the man now understands that is not a good idea to do that and will stop. The man has no criminal history, and there will be no criminal charges in this matter.