Mount Prospect police issue community alert after driver approaches student

Mount Prospect police issued a community alert Thursday after a man approached a boy on his way to Lincoln Middle School and asked if he needed a ride.

According to police, the 13-year-old was in the area of Council Trail and NaWaTa Avenue about 7:25 a.m. Thursday when a black SUV with tinted windows passed him on Council, stopped and backed up. The male driver rolled down his window and asked the boy if he needed a ride.

The boy said no and ran to the school, where he reported the encounter, police said.

The driver is described as a white man, approximately 50 to 60 years old, with black and gray hair. He was wearing a black shirt and spoke with a Middle Eastern accent, according to police.

Police are urging parents and children living in the area to be extra vigilant in the days ahead and to call 911 immediately if they see a person or vehicle matching the description. Police also will have an increased presence in the area.

Police officials say parents also should use this as an opportunity to review safety rules with their children.