By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Three grade school children in Morton and Mossyrock have reported a man driving a white pickup truck offering them money over the past several days, according to police and school officials.
It came to the attention of police on Friday afternoon when an 11-year-old boy said the man stopped near Morton Elementary School and offered him $20 if he would get into the vehicle, according to Morton Police Department.
The boy took off running into the school and reported it, according to police. While officers spoke to the boy, a 12-year-old boy told them the same man offered him $20 the day before for the same reason, police reported.
Morton police describe the truck as a white Ford pickup with a wide black stripe running down its side. The boys said there were large “mud tires” in the bed of the truck.
The male is described only as unshaven with dark hair.
In Mossyrock, the elementary school principal was notified this morning by police of an incident early yesterday evening in which a fifth-grade girl said she was approached by a male while she was at Smith and Son Grocery.
He initiated a conversation with her and gave her $3 and was driving a white truck with a thick black stripe as well, according to Principal Randy Torrey.
Torrey is sending a letter with details home with students today.
Teachers in both districts have been speaking to students about never getting into a vehicle with a stranger.
“We’re reminding them if someone tries to lure you, or talk to you, run away, yell, maybe even ‘stranger danger’ and get to an adult,” Torrey said.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter