Fishers sees three child abduction attempts in a month

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) - Fishers Police Department was investigating its third child abduction attempt in a month on Friday. And they're all happening not too far from each other, though police say the cases appear to be unconnected.

Police said on Monday there was a report of suspicious activity at 6:15 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Parkshore and Brightwater drives, in the Plantana subdivision – near 141st Street and Cumberland Road.

A mother told police her 7-year-old son was approached by a man in a black Toyota Camry. The boy was riding a bicycle when the vehicle approached and the man started yelling at the boy, trying to lure him to the car.

The boy road his bike home, and officers searched the area without locating the suspect or the car.

Authorities describe the suspect as a black, middle aged man with a thin build who was clean shaven. He was wearing an orange T-shirt.

Anyone who suspects suspicious activity should call 911, Fishers Police officials said.

But the delay between the report and the public alert had some worried Monday.

“I am concerned because there were garage sales all over the weekend and many others in the surrounding area,” area resident Jen Flegel said. “To just now find out about it is alarming.”

Police said before they sound the alarm, a thorough investigation must be completed.

“We take time to investigate these cases to make sure we are putting out the most accurate and up-to-date information possible,” Officer Tom Weger said.

And now that the information is spreading, parents and those in the community are being reminded to keep a watchful eye.

“Parents need to strongly and closely supervise their children at all times,” Weger said. “This young man was riding his bike unsupervised, and that is not a safe situation.”

Monday afternoon, children and their parents played at the neighborhood playground. Jim Noble didn’t let his boys – the youngest 5 - out of his sight.

“It’s kind of disturbing,” Noble said. “Fortunately, it has just been attempted and no body has been taken.”

And because of the recent alerts, parents like Noble are having important conversations with their children about spotting strangers. Some are giving self-defense lessons.

Police said Fishers is still a safe place to live but parents need to be more vigilant. If close supervision is not possible, police recommend children travel in pairs or groups. We spotted one youngster playing with her boxer dog for extra protection.

But Noble said he isn’t taking a chance. He will be the watchdog.

The first incident was reported on May 6 at Olio Fields .

Then, 12 days later, there was another reported attempt in the 13000 block of United Drive , near 131st Street and Brooks School Road.

Police don’t think three cases are connected, but the suspect vehicle was a black Camry in two of the three incidents.