Kenosha police say 'no crime was committed' after students ran from suspicious vehicle

KENOSHA -- Kenosha police on Wednesday, Jan. 29 issued a warning to parents after an incident Wednesday afternoon. Police said around 1 p.m., officers responded to Forest Park Elementary School for a suspicious vehicle complaint.

An investigation revealed two students, an 8-year-old and 9-year-old, reported that two people in a maroon minivan pulled over about 10 feet from them on 47th Avenue and the passenger called out, “Come to us” during recess.

The driver was described as a female, white, about 40 years old, with brown hair in a ponytail. The passenger was described as a male, white, about 40 years old, wearing sunglasses and a red or orange hooded sweatshirt. The children ran away from the minivan and reported the incident to a teacher.

The minivan left the area and was not located.

Kenosha police said Thursday morning, Jan. 30 that "no crime was committed." According to police, parents of a Forest Park student contacted police Wednesday night, Jan. 29 after seeing news reports about the incident. The parents told officials they were waiving and yelling to their own child who was playing outside.

Kenosha police released the following information Thursday morning:

"Last night the parents of a Forest Park student contacted the school after seeing various press releases about this incident. The parents believe their actions led to a misunderstanding as they recalled waiving and yelling to their own child who was playing outside during the recess period. Detectives met with the family to verify the information and timeline. No crime was committed. The police department appreciates the cooperation received from KUSD and the involved families."


Police encouraged parents to warn their children about the dangers of speaking with strangers and report suspicious or alarming activity to the Kenosha Police Department at 262-656-1234 (911 for emergency).

They shared the following phone numbers for parents seeking additional information:

Child Safety Tips: Officer Friendly, Tyler Cochran, 262-653-4210.

Neighborhood Watch programs: Crime Prevention Officer Jeff Wambolt or John Wenberg at 262-657-3937.