Police say driver had ‘no nefarious intent’ in inviting child to approach vehicle

CHUBBUCK — Chubbuck police say the situation with a juvenile driver asking a child to approach his car on Tuesday was all a misunderstanding.

Police put out a Facebook post asking the public to help identify the driver who stopped his vehicle in front of a house where a young boy was playing basketball and asked him to approach his vehicle. On Wednesday, the department shared an update saying the teenage driver had been contacted and “there was no nefarious intent.”

“There is no ongoing threat to our community and we thank everyone for helping keep our neighborhoods safe,” the update said.

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Chubbuck Police Chief Ryan Sasser told EastIdahoNews.com the driver explained his actions to police when contacted and he was trying to “be friendly with the other neighborhood kids” when he stopped to talk with the child. The driver realized that he scared the kid and quickly left.

Police say while there is no danger to the public, this is a good reminder for parents to speak to their children about “stranger danger,” and what to do if faced with a situation like this.

“For example, ask your children, ‘What would you do if a stranger offered to give you candy?’ or ‘What would you do if a stranger said they were supposed to pick you up from school?'” the update reads. “Also, speak with your children about things adults are never allowed to do. Teach your children that no adult is ever allowed to ask a child to keep secrets and regularly reinforce that you don’t keep secrets in your family.”