JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A chilling encounter near Lone Star Elementary School has parents on high alert after a child was approached by a man in a blue van during the morning commute on Friday, Sept. 4.
The incident, which occurred around 8:25 a.m., prompted a swift response from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and the Duval County School Board Police. According to an official incident report, a child under the age of 14 was walking near the school—a deviation from their typical morning routine—when a blue van pulled up alongside them.
A vigilant witness, who was driving directly behind the van, observed the interaction and became immediately concerned. The witness reported seeing the child shake their head “no” at the driver, an interaction that struck the bystander as deeply suspicious. As the child fled the scene, the witness began photographing the vehicle, providing critical evidence that would lead to a rapid police intervention.
A Duval County School Police sergeant successfully located the blue van stopped at the intersection of Lighthouse Road and Brookview Drive N. The driver, identified as the sole occupant of the vehicle, was detained at the scene until JSO officers arrived to take over the investigation.
During the subsequent inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered several unusual details. The report noted that all rear seats of the van had been laid flat, creating an open cargo space. Inside, officers found two cell phones on the passenger seat, one of which was reportedly playing a video on a loop in a foreign language.
The driver was transported to the JSO Special Victims Unit for questioning, while the child was taken to the Child Protection Team (CPT) to be interviewed by authorities. Despite the evidence gathered at the scene, the suspect was ultimately released. The case currently remains active, though the report indicates that active patrol efforts have been suspended.
The JSO has officially classified the encounter as a potential violation of Florida Statute 787.025(2)(A). Under this law, the “luring or enticing of a child under 14 years of age by a person 18 years of age or older without parent or guardian consent” is categorized as a third-degree felony.
The proximity of the incident to a local elementary school has sent a wave of concern through the community. Mothers and local residents have expressed that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and situational awareness.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has further information regarding the blue van or the driver, to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office immediately. While the suspect has been released, officials emphasize that the investigation is not yet closed and are calling on the public to remain vigilant.
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