Crime & Safety

Person Offering Deerfield Teen Ride Was Not a Stranger

Deerfield children learn how to react when they encounter an unfamiliar person.

Poor weather conditions may have led a Deerfield teenager to refuse a ride home from school Thursday from a person who knew the student, according to a statement from Deerfield Police Chief John Sliozis.

After investigating the incident, Deerfield police concluded the person offering the ride was an acquaintance of the teenager, according to Sliozis. “The child … failed to recognize the person because of weather and lighting conditions,” he said.

Earlier: Stranger Offers Ride to Deerfield Teen

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Though there was no criminal activity, Sliozis lauded the teenagers’ behavior and hopes other youngsters will continue to do the same thing.

“The Deerfield Police Department is confident the action was a misunderstanding and continues to encourage children to report any incidents that make them feel unsafe to their parent or other persons of authority,” Sliozis said.

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Sliozis is not the only person who recognizes appropriate behavior from the Village’s youth. Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Superintendent Renee Goier thinks cooperation between the schools and the police is working.

"It's very reassuring that the children of Deerfield and surrounding communities are doing the right thing and proving that they listen when their teachers, parents and other caring adults teach them important safety lessons," Goier said. “We are truly seeing the benefits of the close cooperation between the Deerfield Police Department and District 109.”

Police have increased patrols around Deerfield schools after four reported incidents of child luring in nearby Highwood since April 22, according to a previous Patch story and the Chicago Tribune.

There were two more reports Highwood children receiving offers of rides Wednesday, according to the Tribune. All four are still being investigated.


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