Is Someone Following OPRF Students? Police Have Person of Interest in Custody

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with new information from police. Click here to read: Charges Brought Against Maywood Man in Child Abduction Attempts

In a message sent out to parents of students at Oak Park and River Forest High School today, school officials announced that the Oak Park Police Department has informed them of several incidents in the last 24 hours of students being followed.

The first incident reported occurred Tuesday evening, when a student was followed after leaving the school from Lake Street down Ridgeland Avenue to Julian Middle School. A staff member at Julian reported seeing the student was followed and reported it to police.

The school also said they were notified a short while ago that another OPRF student, as well as a student of Brooks Middle School, had reported being followed this morning.

The letter today informed parents that Oak Park police have a person of interest in custody, but police would not comment on the reports, or on any suspect at this time. A description of the man reported to be following students has also not been released.

As a matter of safety, the school closed its campus during fifth and sixth period lunch today, but added that police do not believe that students are any longer in danger.

The police department told OPRF officials that they would be increasing patrols on walking routes and took the opportunity to remind parents of safety precautions kids should take while traveling to school.

Safety Tips:

• When waiting for a ride, wait near the school building.
• Always try to walk in groups or with at least one other person.
• Walk on sidewalks and other open areas rather than alleys that have less visibility.
• Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are nearby.
• If you have a concern about another person near you, go to a neighbor’s house, find an adult to assist you, or go back to school.
• Never approach a vehicle unknown to you even if the occupant speaks to you.
• Yell loudly and run if you feel you are in danger.
• Be sure to tell your parents if something happens. Parents should contact the police and the school.

Patch will continue to update readers as more information becomes available. If you'd like follow this story, click the Keep Me Posted tab below this article.

Get breaking news alerts and follow us on Facebook for more news:

• Get the Oak Park-River Forest newsletter and like us on Facebook.
• Get the Forest Park newsletter and like us on Facebook.