Extra security was stationed at an Alpine middle school Thursday after a student reported being approached by a stranger in a truck, according to a letter to parents from the Alpine Union School District.
According to the letter, a Joan MacQueen Middle School student reported being approached by a person in a white or gray four-door truck with tinted windows in a neighborhood off Victoria Drive on Wednesday.
The alleged incident occurred less than three miles from Joan MacQueen Middle School.
San Diego County Sheriff's deputies were alerted and extra patrols were requested for all district schools as a result.
SDSO Lt. Kevin Ralph said the student and the driver never exchanged words but the student became concerned because the driver appeared to be following close behind.
Ralph said they were investigating the report due to its suspicious nature.
NBC 7 spoke with a parent who said they are glad the district send en email about the incident.
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"My heart kind of sank yesterday when I read the email. I appreciated the transparency and immediate information and knowing if there was any kind of possible danger, but you know, it's hard to address. It's hard to handle," they told NBC 7.
Other families reported similar encounters on social media and SDSO confirmed they were investigating other claims as well. The reported incidents all involved a truck with a similar description, Ralph said.
The district encouraged parents to talk to their kids about ways to be safe and listed some best practices which include: "Telling your child that if a stranger ever approaches and offers a ride or treats or asks for help with a task (like helping find a lost dog), your child should step away, firmly yell "No!" and run from the area immediately. Your child should always tell you or another trusted adult (like a teacher or childcare worker) what happened or if they feel unsafe in a situation."
Parents with questions or more information can call the sheriff's department at (619) 659-2600.
