Police close luring case, plan informational meeting

Snoqualmie police have closed their investigation into an alleged child luring attempt that happened last week at the Ridge IGA Supermarket.

With no third-party witnesses or surveillance footage, police had only the description of the alleged lurer, who has not been seen since.

"There is nothing else to go on," Captain Steve McCulley said.

Reports say that at about 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, three 12-year-old boys were approached by a gray-haired man who offered to buy them candy if they would leave with him. One of the boys told the man they were there with parents. At that, the man left the store.

A photo of a gray-haired, registered sex offender who lives in the area was shown to one of the boys, who said that this was definitely not the man who approached them at the store.

McCulley said the city and police department got information and safety tips out to the public in quick fashion. Police now plan a community safety meeting covering abduction, prowlers and other topics in mid-August.

Local parents, McCulley said, should not be afraid, but "they need to be vigilant. They need to teach their kids the basics" on how to avoid stranger dangers.

"Always be with somebody. Don't fall for the tricks," McCulley said. "If they feel threatened, they need to start screaming, get attention. If they're not sure, they need to run away from the situation, find a responsible adult."

More information and tips for child safety are at http://www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/ under 'City News and Information.

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