Parents are encouraged to reinforce safety messages with their children following an incident in Washington Thursday. Washington Community School District Superintendent Willie Stone said there was an “unusual incident” that happened Thursday afternoon. He explained that a student walking home from Lincoln had a man approach him and told the student that he had new video games, and then asked if the student wanted to go to his house to play them. The student ran home and reported it to his parents. The man was wearing blue pants, boots, black coat, and a black beanie.

Stone says the male did not harm or threaten the student, but the district takes any potential threats to students or staff very seriously. The police are following up on the incident and extra patrol has been requested around the school buildings. School staff is reviewing safety precautions with students. They are reminded to walk in groups or pairs, not alone, when walking to and from school. Also, be alert to their surroundings. Parents are encouraged to reinforce these safety messages, and have the same precautions in place during non-school hours.