Just a week after classes got underway at Holmes Elementary School in south suburban Harvey a warning note went home to parents about two disturbing incidents at a neighboring park.
A school district spokesperson says children were approached by a man two separate times last week while playing at the park after being dismissed from school. The man reportedly exposed himself to the children then tried to lure them in his direction.
“It’s shocking because I do take my kids to that park,” said Stefania Angel, the parent of one Holmes student.
Parents like Andre Jefferson are now taking precautions. He has three children ages 12, 11 and 7.
“I told them strictly, ‘You don't reply to strangers because it's a danger,’” Jefferson said. “These kids are innocent, beautiful lives and that doesn't need to be going on.”
It’s a danger that parents hope won’t be around for long.
“I hope they catch this guy soon,” another parent, Kimberly Morales, told NBC Chicago. “It’s so wrong.”
Local
Police have dispatched extra officers to patrol the grounds near the school.
As of Thursday evening there were no suspects in custody and investigators only had a very vague description of the man.
