Racine police issue warning after 3 attempted child enticement complaints in 2 days



RACINE -- Racine police are investigating after there have been three incidents in the last 2 days of a man trying to entice young girls. The man seems to be targeting young girls who he finds walking alone. So far, each child was able to get away to somewhere safe.

"He needs to go to jail," said Lawrence Johnson, concerned grandparent.

"They need to get these creeps and pedophiles," said Melissa Groves, concerned parent.

Parents in Racine are now on high alert.

"I'm kind of upset about it. I'm actually mad. I want to help police find this dude," said Johnson.

Lawrence Johnson



On Tuesday morning, Feb. 26, police said a student was walking through the old Pick 'n Save parking lot on Rapids Drive when the suspect questioned her about her name and age. The student then ran into the school.

A short time later, the suspect approached a student walking to school on Albert Street near Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.  The suspect asked her age.  When the student got on her cellphone, the suspect drove out of the area.

On Wednesday morning, Feb. 27, the suspect approached a student in the area of 12th Street and Harbridge Avenue and asked to drive her to school.  When the student met up with other students, the suspect drove out of the area.



"It's close to home and that's what's kind of a little more scary," said Johnson.



The suspect is described as a male, black, between the ages of 25 and 35, with an average to thin build and a medium to a light complexion, with short hair and a full beard. The vehicle was described as an older, beat up, four-door sedan, black in color with some rust.  The rear license plate may be hanging loose or crooked. The vehicle also may appear gray due to dirt or road salt.

"I think it's really scary and I think it's a shame," Groves said.

Some parents are now having to think twice about letting their children walk to school.

"I hope they catch him soon and when they do catch him, he gets what he deserves," said Johnson.

Police said parents should talk to their children and educate them on the dangers of talking to strangers.  Anyone who has seen this vehicle or may know the suspect is urged to call police.