P. asks from Allen, TX on July 02, 2008
Creepy Man at Park - Advice
My daughter and I were at Shawnee Park today in Plano (off Parker Road near Jupiter). There was a City of Plano Parks and Recreation truck there. A uniformed man, probably in his late 30's was there. But he was not at all working. He had corralled 4 young girls (sisters) and was chatting away with them for an hour. He was asking them where they went to school, how old they were, would they sing him a song... etc. If this had gone on for a few minutes I wouldn't have even noticed. But an hour? And who knows how long it had been going on before I got there? Isn't it a bit weird for a grown man to take that much interest in 4 little girls? Am I being too old-fashioned? I snapped some discreet photos of him with the girls and his truck. But I did not call the city. Should I? Do they even require criminal background checks on the park workers? The youngest girl was only 4 years old. I mentioned in passing to the oldest (about 11 years old) after he left, that maybe she should be wary. The 4 sisters live near the park and had walked there without a parent. Their ages were 4, 6, 8 and 11. Am I old-fashioned?
So What Happened?™
I put a call in to a friend of mine that works for the City of Plano. She connected me with a department head who looked at the photos, agreed with me, and said action would be taken. He was able to identify the man in the photos
JC, I stayed there until he left and until the rather deserted park had filled up with watchful mamas (there was no one there when we arrived except the man and 4 girls). I also said something to the oldest sister. I think the man finally left because he figured out I was watching him. Realize I also took photos of him with the girls as well as a closeup photo of his City of Plano truck. I think you should be questioning more why in the world would any parent let 4 little girls walk to a park ALONE?
Featured Answers
M.G. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
I agree with everyone else on how important it will be to contact the city. Also, try to see if you find the girls again at the park or where they live. Their parents should be aware of it as well as the girls. Congratulations to you for being aware of this strange behavior. I wish there were more people like you. You are not all fashion at all, in today's days we need to be really aware of what's going on.
More Answers
K.J. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
Oh my gosh! that is very creepy! Yes call even if it's not, what it seemed it's better to be safe. & with children as young as 4& 6 there is no reason for chatting like that. I say with children involved don't just give the benifit of the doubt, even the most "normal looking" people can be dangerous. Childrens safety comes first no matter what!! Good for you for noticing & wanting to take action, I think alot of people would just turn the other way & not think anything about it. We need more people like you!!!! Great Job!
N.O. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
Hi P.,
Yes you should definitely call and if the city doesn't do anything about it, find someone that will.
Warn other parents at the park to keep an eye out for him and if possible, warn the girls parents too.
I'm not really sure if this is a matter for the police yet because legally being a weirdo doesn't count for breaking the law.....they may just step up security and supervise the park a little better.
I think it's really creepy he's asking them questions about their school and to sing to him?? Thats weird!
There are to many weirdos out there and it's usually the ones you would least expect to do something wrong.......AND they're usually found lurking at parks or schools watching young children. That man knew those girls were w/out a parent and hopefully this creep didn't decide to follow them home and now know where they live.
Good for you for catching this and taking pics was VERY smart!
Do something ASAP! Even though he may have passed a background check getting his job he is still very likely to be a perv and commit a crime in the present or future that hasn't been reported yet.
BTW, you did nothing wrong by listening and watching him.
I'm sure if you saw him actually getting one of the girls you would have called the cops right away but just listening and observing was all you could do in the situation and you did the right thing!
Take Care,
N.
T. answers from Dallas on July 02, 2008
Go with your instincts. I have 4 children and typically can not hold a conversation for an entire hour without it being deep, as they are all over the board in conversations in this age range, so to talk to them for an hour (not to mention - if he was on company time) strikes me as very strange, and being wary does not label you as old fashioned.
K.N. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
CALL THE CITY and inform the police.
You are not over-reacting, this is odd, and should anything happen, you will fee guilty that you did not report it. If it was innocent, then there should be no reprocussions. I know some older people really like kids, but something there is hitting me wrong and I wasn't even there!
S.C. answers from Dallas on July 02, 2008
Yes, something does not sound right here. I would report this. Were you able to see his name badge or truck number?
S.B. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
How fast can you dial 9-1-1?
A.P. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
You should report him. It may be nothing at all, but it may not be and you have every reason to be suspicious because it seems suspicious!
M.G. answers from Dallas on July 03, 2008
I agree with everyone else on how important it will be to contact the city. Also, try to see if you find the girls again at the park or where they live. Their parents should be aware of it as well as the girls. Congratulations to you for being aware of this strange behavior. I wish there were more people like you. You are not all fashion at all, in today's days we need to be really aware of what's going on.
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