Arlington Heights Police are looking for a man who exposed himself to two South Middle School students walking home from school.
According to Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Stephanie Mack, two girls, ages 13 and 14, were walking southbound on Mitchell Avenue just two blocks from South Middle School, 400 S. Highland Ave., on Friday when a man driving a car described as a purple Honda with a gray interior drove past the girls then parked at the intersection of Mitchell Avenue and Fairview Street.
“As the girls were crossing at Fairview, he blocked their path and stopped in front of them,” Mack said. “He was still in the car, sitting, and as they were walking past the car, they looked in and saw him … He never said anything and didn’t approach them.”
The girls ran to the home of the one of the girls and a parent called and reported the incident to police at 2:55 p.m., authorities said.
Mack said the man, described as being a white man in his 20s wearing a gray T-shirt, never got out of the car. She said authorities do not believe that the incident was related to any other recent crimes.
“It seemed like a complete random act,” Mack said. “We’ve had no other calls.”
South Middle School Principal Piper Boston notified parents of the incident by email just before 6 p.m. Friday night and warned them of precautions they should take with their children.
“This situation brings to light the importance of taking the time to talk with your children about stranger danger and immediately reporting any incident to an adult and the police, similar to these students,” Boston said in her email. “It is recommended that kids walk in pairs or small groups whenever possible.”
She included a resource link for parents wishing to warn their children.
“Make sure your kids don’t walk home alone,” Mack added, “and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.”
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelance reporter.
