-Editorial
The Calexico Police Department is investigating a suspected attempted child abduction that occurred Aug. 28 near Rodriguez Park.
Officers responded around 8:36 p.m. to the 800 block of Pierce Avenue after a report that a man driving a white Chevrolet Colorado approached a 14-year-old boy, police said. According to the report, the driver allegedly told the boy that his mother had sent him for pickup. The boy did not believe the claim and refused to enter the vehicle.
The suspect then drove southbound on Pierce Avenue, where he picked up another man waiting at the corner of Pierce Avenue and Lincoln Street. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Lincoln Street, police said.
Authorities said they are reviewing possible surveillance footage from nearby residences as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, saw a vehicle matching the description, or has surveillance footage from the area to contact the Calexico Police Department at (760) 768-2140. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the department’s Investigations Division.
Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance in preventing child abductions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises parents and guardians to maintain open lines of communication with their children, discussing personal safety regularly and reminding them not to accept rides or favors from strangers. Officials say that teaching children to question unfamiliar adults and to report uncomfortable situations immediately is a critical step in keeping them safe.
Authorities also urge the public to report any suspicious behavior in their communities. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends that adults remain alert around schools, parks, and residential areas, and contact law enforcement immediately if they observe anything unusual. Prompt reporting, officials note, increases the chances that police can intervene before an incident escalates and can help identify potential suspects quickly.
In addition to communication and reporting, law enforcement encourages the use of community and technology resources. The U.S. Department of Justice advises families to participate in neighborhood watch programs, school safety initiatives, and other community monitoring efforts. Officials also highlight the value of home security cameras, dashcams, and other surveillance tools, which can provide critical evidence for investigators and help authorities track suspicious activity in real time.
