Man suspected of luring children in Cortez; police advise parents to be cautious – The Journal

A man reportedly approached children twice on Tuesday and offered them money. (Cortez Police Department)

The man has not yet been identified by the police

Cortez police on Wednesday reminded parents to talk to their children about the risks of interacting with strangers after a man reportedly tried to lure students near Kemper Elementary School with money.

According to an alert sent to parents by the Montezuma-Cortez School District, the children were on their way home from a summer school class in Kemper when they were approached by a truck that pulled up next to them on the west side of the school building.

According to reports, a man leaned out of the truck and offered the children cash, telling them to come to his truck. They refused.

After failing to lure the children to his truck, the men took two $5 bills, rolled them up and threw them in the direction of the children. After the money landed on the grass in front of the children, the truck reportedly drove away while the man said “God bless you.”

The children took the money and told their parents, who called the police. Police had previously received a call earlier that day that a man on foot was behaving similarly. The man was not identified.

Police urged parents to talk to their children about what to do if they are approached by strangers.

“The promise of money, puppies, gifts or candy can be irresistible to children. Please have open conversations with them, including talking about the difference between someone they know and someone they don’t,” police said in the alert.

Police also urged parents to warn their children about the danger of picking up money or other items from the floor that may be contaminated with “deadly fentanyl powder or accepting pills that look like colorful candy.”

If children do not feel comfortable calling 911, they can also text 911 in an emergency.

“Make a game out of describing what people are wearing or how tall they are and whether they have a beard, glasses or colored hair,” police said.

Parents can also program the police department’s phone number into their child’s phone so that it is easier for them to call. The number is (970) 565-8441.

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