Recent emails have been circulating Southern Maryland this week, warning residents of a suspicious white van in Calvert County.
One report, seemingly originating from a resident, told how a man in a white a white van stopped and asked two young girls about a missing dog, but then changed his story when their fathers approached. From this report concerns arose that there was a man in the area attempting to lure girls into his van.
According to Calvert County Sheriff’s officers, a man in a white van did in fact stop and ask some children who were playing if they had seen his dog, which, they say, had been missing for several days. A father, observing the man speaking with the children, went out and spoke to the man himself, confirms the Sheriff’s Office. According to police the man did not change his story, but also told the father he was looking for his dog, and also told him where he lived.
The rumors about this encounter have included the driver changing his story and speeding away as the father questioned him. This was not the case, assure police.
“Unfortunately the facts changed somewhat and the e-mail took on a life of its own,” said Lt. Heil.
The children’s parents were initially concerned that a man would stop and talk to children, but, say police, there is no evidence that the man was doing anything but looking for his dog.
“The positive aspect of this is that we know that people are watching and listening in our neighborhoods and that is a good thing,” said Lt. Heil. “We hope they are watching for any activity they may feel is unusual and report that to us immediately.”