On 2/12/2018 at 8:19 am, the Lane County Sheriff's Office received a report of a suspicious man in a white van in the area of Wildwood and Ellmaker Road. The male driver waved to a female student who was waiting at a bus stop, then got out of the van and started walking towards her and asked her if she wanted a ride to school. The student fled the area and contacted her parents who called the Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded and searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle or the driver.

The driver is described as a white male between 30 and 50 years old with a brown and gray beard. He is described as wearing a dark colored shirt, possibly black or brown. He had a small, white dog with him, and the dog had curly hair. The white cargo van that the man was driving had a sliding side door and a ladder on top. The van had some type of blue lettering on the side, an aftermarket bumper, and possibly a brush guard. The van is further described as having a lot of trash on the dashboard.

The Sheriff's Office would like to remind community members that staying aware of your surroundings may increase the time you have to respond to unexpected people or events. In this case, the student was able to run to safety because she maintained an awareness of her surroundings and was able to react appropriately when she felt threatened. When possible, walk in well lit, populated areas, especially after dark. The buddy system is recommended, as is carrying a way signal that you need help (a cell phone or whistle, for example).

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who has any additional information about this incident to call 541-682-4141.