By ANDY GOODELL
NEW SHARON — Keep an eye out.
In the past month alone, two incidents of attempted child abduction have taken place in New Sharon.
“It’s a scary thought, obviously,” said Mahaska County Sheriff Paul DeGeest in a Herald interview Monday afternoon.
DeGeest said both incidents involved a white, full-sized van with “covered” windows. He said the individual attempting these abductions was described by one child as an “older man” trying to coax a child into the vehicle.
“With the young person that described this, it’s difficult to determine if this is an older person,” explained DeGeest. “They might consider a 30-year-old an older person.”
These incidents remain under investigation.
Taking normal precautions regarding one’s children is especially important now, said DeGeest. He urged parents and guardians to make sure their children are being picked up after school by a trusted adult. He added, if children play outside, parents or guardians should monitor them or know where they’re at.
Law enforcement in counties bordering Mahaska County have been informed of these abduction attempts, said DeGeest. He said anyone with information regarding these instances or the vehicle involved should contact his office at 673-4322.
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City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com
