Niskayuna school officials issue safety alert after motorist approaches girl

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steven Cook

An Iroquois Middle School student was approached by a man offering a ride Monday and school district officials have issued a safety alert on the district’s Web site.

The student, who was unharmed, was approached by a man in his 60s as she walked home from her bus stop. The incident happened at about 11:30 a.m., after early dismissal.

The student told authorities the man, driving a light-colored Oldsmobile with a rusty front fender, repeatedly asked her where she was going and if she wanted a ride, school officials said in the statement.

The student walked away, got home and told a parent, something district officials said was the correct reaction.

The man was described as in his 60s with short dark hair and glasses.

The district was notified Monday afternoon, after kindergarten to 8th grade students had already been dismissed.

The Niskayuna Police are investigating. Police officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niskayuna Police Department at 386-4585 or a school administrator. Parents are to be sent home with a letter to parents this afternoon, alerting parents directly about the incident.

Parents were asked to remind their children of the importance of not speaking with strangers and should also talk with their children about the steps they should take if approached, school officials said.