Police Increase Patrols Near Whitehall Elementary After Child Grabbed by Stranger

Incident Reported Outside School

Bowie police have identified the individual involved in an alarming encounter outside Whitehall Elementary School, where a student was grabbed by the backpack as they were getting into a car.

The incident happened on September 19 in the 12000 block of Canfield Lane. According to police, an adult male approached the child and pulled on their backpack. Witnesses, including the child’s parent and several other parents in the area, quickly intervened. Their swift action forced the man to leave the parking lot without further confrontation.

Suspect Identified

Following the report, officers from the City of Bowie Police Department launched an investigation. Authorities later identified the individual as a resident of a nearby treatment facility. Police stated that the man has diminished cognitive capacity.

To prevent further concerns, police have met with representatives of the treatment center to discuss the incident and address safety protocols.

Increased Police Presence

In response to the incident, the City of Bowie Police Department has committed to boosting patrols in the area surrounding Whitehall Elementary. Officers are working closely with school officials to ensure the safety of students and to reassure parents.

The department emphasized that while the child was not harmed, any potential threat to students is taken seriously. “Our priority is the safety of children in our community,” police said in a statement.

Community Response

The event has raised concern among parents and residents in Prince George’s County. Whitehall Elementary serves hundreds of families, and the incident has underscored the need for vigilance in school zones. Many parents expressed gratitude to those who acted quickly to protect the child and prevent the situation from escalating.

Officials said that additional officers will monitor school arrival and dismissal times, providing both visibility and deterrence. The department also encouraged parents and guardians to remain alert during pick-up and drop-off.

Safety Guidance for Families

While police believe the incident to be isolated, they offered several reminders for families to help keep children safe:

Always supervise young children during school arrival and dismissal.
Encourage children to walk in groups rather than alone.
Report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities.
Reinforce with children the importance of not speaking to strangers.

Moving Forward

Authorities said they will continue to coordinate with the school system and the treatment facility involved to prevent similar incidents in the future. Regular updates will be provided to families to maintain transparency and trust.

The Bowie Police Department urged anyone with concerns or additional information about the incident to reach out to their office directly.

Though unsettling, police emphasized that the quick response of parents and the school community helped ensure the child’s safety, and ongoing patrols will work to provide peace of mind for families in the weeks ahead.