Suspicious Activity at Bus Stops for District 833 Students in Cottage Grove

There have been multiple incidents of strangers approaching students at bus stops in Cottage Grove.

The Cottage Grove Police Department on Thursday issued the following release:

On Sept. 25, the Cottage Grove Police Department received a report of suspicious activity at a bus stop in the area of 90th Street and Janero Ave. A parent had witnessed strange behavior at the bus stop when she was dropping off her daughter.

A woman had exited a blue mini-van and spoke with a student. She followed up with her daughter who had found out the woman had asked the student where he went to school and if he would bring a violin to a student there. Officers investigating the incident found similarities to an earlier event.

In the other event, a woman asked two students “if they were looking for their parents” and drove off. There is limited information in both incidents and no license plate was obtained, however there were similarities. The second incident occurred in the area of Meadow Grass and Wildflower.

In both instances the vehicle is described as a blue minivan and the woman is described as a white female with grey hair. One of the descriptions was “middle aged in her 30’s”. Although there are differences in descriptions the department is investigating the incidents and has contacted the South Washington County School District.

The Cottage Grove Police Department and the South Washington County School District wants to inform the public of these incidents and we are asking if anyone has additional information to contact the Washington County Communications Center at 651-439-9381 and ask for a police officer.

The police department and South Washington County School District are encouraging parents to talk to their children about the following tips if they encounter similar behaviors.

• If you are playing outside it is VERY important that a grown-up or another child is with you so no one tries to take you.
• Always walk home with someone after school.
• Don't listen to anyone you don't know and who says your mom or dad sent them to pick you up.
• If someone grabs you and tries to take you away or to their car, yell for help and try to get away.