(UPDATED 10:59 AM 2.16.2024) ATTEMPTED CHILD ABDUCTIONS UNDER INVESTIGATION, PATROLS TO INCREASE
UDPDATE
New information is now available amid an investigation into three possible attempted child abductions. Based on information provided by Thorndale Police Department, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of suspicious activity and the possible attempted abductions of Milam County youth.
Further investigation by the Sheriff’s Office found that one of the incidents actually occurred on Tuesday at a Thorndale convenience store. In this instance, the teenage driver believed she was being followed and Thorndale PD believed they could be trying to abduct the teen. A separate incident involving similar vehicles then occurred Thursday evening. Thorndale PD then notified the Sheriff’s Office, who at that time became involved in the investigation. At the time of the initial press release by this office, it was thought that both incidents had occurred on the same day and that it involved students walking home from school. It is now known that is not the case.
Further, Milam County deputies learned of another possible incident in Milano, also on Thursday evening. The vehicle was believed to be driven by a tan male in a blue pickup truck. That driver was described as telling a female student to get in the vehicle or else be forced in. The student then ran off, at which time the truck fled the scene.
Out of an abundance of caution, Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore elected to put out the information we had at the time in order to alert the public to possible dangers. Clore reiterated that based on the information at hand and with public safety in mind, that his office and all partner agencies would increase patrols at all Milam County school campuses for the time being.
In the meantime, parents are urged to educate their children about being aware of their surroundings and to run away or call 9-1-1 if approached by someone they do not know.
ORIGINAL STORY
Milam County authorities are investigating three separate attempted child abductions.
The Milam County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the community about three possible child abductions that occurred this evening, Feb. 15. Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said two incidents was reported near Thorndale Independent School District and the other was reported near Milano Independent School District.
Authorities received two calls regarding vehicles following students walking home in Thorndale. In one of the reported incidents, the vehicle had a male and female occupant, both described as being Hispanic. The pair were in what is described as a white Honda Accord. The other incident in Thorndale involved a Hispanic male in a vehicle of an unknown description. None of the students being followed were taken.
In Milano, the vehicle was believed to be driven by a male in a blue pickup truck. That driver was described as a tan male with no facial hair and reportedly told the female student to get in the vehicle or else be forced in. Luckily, the student ran off toward an adjacent railroad track and the vehicle then left the scene.
At this time, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and all partner agencies in the area will increase their presence at all county schools on Friday, Feb. 16. Parents are urged to educate their children about being aware of their surroundings and to run away or call 9-1-1 if approached by someone they do not know.
“The safety of all Milam County children is our priority and this office will increase patrols near schools for the time being,” Clore said.
Clore also reminded the community to alert the authorities of anything or anyone they believe is acting suspicious. Anyone with information about these incidents can call the Sheriff’s Office at (254) 697-7033 or call Crime Stoppers at (254) 697-8477.