Child Approached by Unknown Individual Near School Complex

On Thursday April 11, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., an incident occurred near the Jacob Wismer Elementary and Stoller Middle School complex in Bethany. A male student, who is not enrolled in the Beaverton School District, was approached by an unidentified male while walking home from spending time with friends at Jacob Wismer

The suspect, who was near the bus pick-up lanes at Stoller Middle School, falsely claimed to be a friend of the student's mother and stated he was there to pick the student up. The student did not recognize the individual and wisely ran from the area, safely reaching home shortly after.

The student described the suspect as a large male in his 70s with a white beard two to three inches in length. The suspect was wearing large Pit Viper-style sunglasses, a T-shirt, and a hat with the American flag. The student believes that the man was driving a silver Mercedes SUV.

Deputies are working closely with Beaverton School District Public Safety officers to review surveillance footage and further investigate the incident. We urge the community to be vigilant and report any information related to this suspect to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-629-0111.

Safety Recommendations for Students:

- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions from cell phones and maintain awareness of surroundings.

- Limit Headphone Use: Ensure you can hear external sounds when wearing headphones, especially in public areas.

- Walk-in Groups: There is safety in numbers. Try to walk with friends whenever possible.

- Regular Check-ins: Always inform a family member or friend of your departure and arrival when moving about.

- Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately notify an adult or school staff member about any unusual or suspicious behavior.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton School District are committed to the safety of all students and community members. We thank you for taking these precautions seriously and helping to maintain a safe environment for our children.