Olympia police have increased patrols around schools on the west side, after a report of a middle school student being approached by a man who took hold of his shoulder Tuesday night before the boy fled.
According to a news release:
The middle school student reported that he was walking near the corner of Decatur and Garfield Street about 5:30 Tuesday night when a man approached him from behind and took hold of his shoulder. The stranger would not release the boy when he tried to shrug off his grip. The boy struggled briefly with the stranger, hit him, and fled to his home. The student was not injured and the stranger did not follow him. The man is described as six feet tall and thin, with blond hair and possibly a beard, goatee, or mustache. He was wearing a white track suit and green baseball cap at the time of the encounter.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Olympia Police at (360) 753-8300 or Thurston County CrimeStoppers at 360.493.2222 (callers may remain anonymous). There have been no additional reports of similar activity, however the Olympia Police Department is increasing patrols around nearby schools as a precaution. Police encourage parents and children to be vigilant about their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1.
Jeremy Pawloski: 360-754-5445 jpawloski@theolympian.com
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