Man In White SUV Soliciting Children Around Richland School District Two Area

Columbia, SC (WOLO)–  Parents are on high alert after Richland County Sheriff’s Department says a man is going around soliciting children. Deputies say Richland School District Two should be especially cautious. Richland County Sheriff Deputy Katelyn Jasak said there have been two cases where an older black male has lured kids close to his car. However, the incidents have not been in the same area, actually about 30 minutes away from each other, so they want all parents to be aware.

“Don’t go up to a stranger’s car. Just don’t, it’s not worth it. I don’t care if they’re asking for help, go get another adult that you know,” Jasak said. 

Deputies say the first incident occurred on the 22nd block of Decker Boulevard. Jasak said the male lured a girl close to his SUV and then exposed himself to her. In the other incident, a young boy was asked to perform sexual acts from a male matching the description, and again, in a white Chevy SUV. This time on the 48th block of Hardscrabble Road.

“Don’t go up to cars, people can snatch you up quickly. Put you in the car, drive off, nobody will ever see you again. Don’t talk to people you don’t know. Be careful when you talk to people you halfway know, because you can’t necessarily trust those people either,” Santana Ashford said, a parent of three children.  Ashford is upset something like this is happening so close to home.  She already made sure to pick up and drop off her son from the bus stop, but now she is extra cautious.

“It’s like a friendly, family neighborhood, so of course, the last thing you want to worry about is someone either trying to snatch children or exposing themselves and scaring children,” Ashford said. 

Deputies say to always check your surroundings, and look to see if anything looks out of the usual. They are pushing for parents to have the stranger danger talk, and if something does not look or feel right, make sure to find an adult that you trust.

“If you feel uncomfortable, more than likely something is wrong. So, run away, find the nearest adult you can, because your instincts are never going to leave you wrong,” Ashford said. 

“Call it in if it doesn’t feel right. Listen to your gut instinct and call us. That’s what we’re here for. To come and check it out,” Jasak said. 

Again, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said it is an older black male with long straight hair, driving a white 4-door SUV.