Local News

Attempted kidnapping reported at MSU Family and Graduate Housing

Posted: Feb 28, 2013 3:27 PM by MSU News Service
Updated: Mar 1, 2013 8:56 AM

BOZEMAN - The Montana State University Police Department is investigating a report of an attempted kidnapping on the MSU campus.

According to MSU Police, on Feb. 27, a Bozeman Police Department School Resource Officer notified MSU Police of an attempted kidnapping. The officer reported that an elementary school-aged male resident of Paisley Court reported that he was approached by an unknown male suspect in a black pickup truck. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26, near the child's residence in MSU Family and Graduate Housing. The suspect attempted to get the child into the truck by saying, "Hey you, come over here. I'll give you a ride home." The child refused to get into the truck and fled the scene.

The suspect was described as over 6 feet tall with a mustache and tan complexion. The vehicle was described as a full-sized, four-door 4x4 black pickup truck.

In a similar incident, on Tuesday, Feb. 5, an elementary school-aged female reported that she was approached near Hyalite Elementary by a male suspect in a black pickup truck. The suspect asked the child to get into the truck. The girl refused and ran to a crossing guard.

If anyone has information related to these incidents or other suspicious activity, please contact MSU Police Department at 994-2121.

MSU Police Department reminds all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to be alert and aware of their surroundings, use caution when walking alone at all times, stay in well-lit areas and travel in groups. Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about stranger safety and what to do if approached by an unknown person.

MSU Police Department has escorts available on campus 24 hours a day for any student, faculty, staff or visitor. Contact the MSU Police Department to request an escort. Safety escorts are a long-term, ongoing program of the MSU Police Department.