Parents Cautioned to Watch Their Kids in Campbell Park

Parents are being cautioned keep an eye on their young children in the vicinity of Campbell Park at Gilman and East Campbell Avenue after reports of a man trying to lure them away.

A Campbell woman who was participating in a Baby Boot Camp exercise program near the basketball courts told Patch Thursday that a man called to her 15-month-old son who had wandered away. The woman retrieved her son before he made contact with the stranger, whom she thought may have been a transient.

She said the man, who was sitting on the steps near the basketball court, appeared to be hiding behind nearby bushes and calling out to various children.

The woman said the incident occurred about 11 a.m. and that she immediately visited the nearby Cambpell Police Department to file a report.

Campbell Police Capt. Dave Carmichael said officers searched the park but didn't find anyone matching the woman's description.  Nonetheless, Carmichael said officers will continue stepped-up patrols in the area and will be there tomorrow morning.

"We don’t know if he’s new out there or a regular," Carmichael said, adding that officiers are familiar with the local transient population.

Meanwhile, Carmichael said this incident is a good reminder for parents to always keep a watchful eye on their kids.

"The important thing is to have good control of your kids, and give them adequate supervision when you’re out in the public," Carmichael said. 

-- Patch Staff

Don’t miss a thing in Campbell! Get the FREE Patch newsletter each morning. Register here. Into social media? So are we. Join us on facebook, twitter or instagr.am (@campbell_patch).