Walkinonther -- because of people like you, I go out of my way to help out strangers. To the extent I had my purse stolen, while helping someone push thier stranded car out of the road.

These are sick times, but I know I probably would have helped these little kids find their dog. I'll deal with those potential issues, after the fact. I would also intervene if I saw a child being beaten by an adult. Sorry, its in my makeup to protect the innocent children.

Neuromed, thank you for understanding. Of course, we did watch to make sure the children didn't run out in the road or anything. Just my 414, you are the reason I don't get involved.

justmy414 - don't be so dramatic and be a little more realistic about the times we live in...we're not in the Andy Griffith times anymore. walkinothershoes - I don't blame you a bit. I am also apprehensive to get involved w/ anyone else's stuff (strangers that is)...whether I'm at a store, in my neighborhood, or wherever...unless it's an emergency, then yeah, call 911 or see what you can do to help.

I am appaulled that you and your husband cared so little for the safety of the children's pets that you refused to help. You could have accompanied your husband and the children to make sure no improper allegations were believable. These children just learned that only people you know will help you, and that society in general doesn't care about them. Fast forward another five years and you will be on this same web site wondering by these kids are involved in gangs.

I was appalled the other day when a couple of 8 or so year old girls walked by our home both with dogs on leashes. One dog got away and they came up to my husband and I who were working out in the yard. They asked which way the dog had gone and we pointed them in the direction we had seen the dog running. They actually asked my husband (whom they did not know) for a ride!!!! My husband, of course, declined and we told them to go home and get an adult they know to help them. I was shocked that in this day children would actually ask a stranger for a ride!!!

How can you thank god for the boy coming to the rescue and the other boy being safe. Why does god lets pervets like this guy walk around and bother our kids?
sounds like he can't make up his mind.

Janesvillean, you are very right, it is rare - but one is one too many. If this was a salesman who worked for me trying to sell this kid something - I would fire him with extreme prejudice.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice reports (and obtained from missingkids.com):

* 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.

* 203,900 children were the victims of family abductions.

* 58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions.

* 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. (These crimes involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.)

It said nothing about the child being offered a ride. He was fishing with friends then an older man approaches and asks the YOUNGEST of the three to come to his car. THEN places his hand on the child's back to usher him toward his car.

What innocent intention could this have possibly been? This creep has no business in a public park, with young children.
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Call this a vindictive attempt to keep this type out of our city parks. Where else are our children supposed to be kids?

It is worth noting the last time there was such a scare it turned out to be an innocent salesman. In criminal justice terms, these sorts of abductions are exceedingly rare.

qqoozz, do you never stop advertising? Have you read the user policy agreement?

There's stranger danger than that I'm sure. It's a full moon again, you know.

The 14-year-old deserves an award from the city.

I'd be surprised if it was an innocent act. Why would an adult offer a child he doesn't know a ride? Sounds suspicious.

One thing not mentioned here yet is that the man might have had no evil intention at all. Sure, it would not be very smart to start talking to a kid you don't know, but it could have been an innocent act. I talked to police today, and they say they don't know much beyond the facts presented here. Perhaps if they are able to talk to the man, they could clear this up. In the meantime, you err on the side of caution. --Gazette reporter Frank Schultz

I admit that rooster probably used a poor choice of words, but perhaps he meant that the 14-year-old should be given all of the credit for his act of bravery.

Its sad that rooster is only worried about that God was brought up.How about talking about the issue at hand.

Sick! Parents, please use this as a reminder to talk safety with your children. And, bless the 14-year-old who stepped in to prevent a possible tragedy.

Send the sick-os to their own island together!

And when they catch this scumbag, I hope he falls a few times to the concrete when in custody.

How wonderful of that 14 year old child! His parents must be super-proud. We teach our children how to protect themselves, but, is extraordinary that this young man intervened to save another child. What incredible role models he must have! Great job mom & dad! Exceptional!

God has plenty to do with it. And yes, I too thank God that others were around to prevent anything happening to the boy. Kudos to the other kids and the adults too. Not many adults would take the time.

Rooster- dont make this into something else.For some it is their faith, for others just expression of words.. I too- thank God, the boy did not get into the car!

I freqently go to a couple of city parks to walk and I get this creepy feeling when I see these older guy's just parked there. I know most of these guy's are just enjoying the day and they have every right to but one scum like the guy above makes everyone leery- including me. I am a male in his 40's and I think I get looked at this way sometimes too but I think it's better to be safe than sorry.

what does god have to do with it??

hope they catch this loser right away!!!

The 14 year old boy that intervened deserves a solid gold metal. Thank God he was there to see what was going on, and take action.
From the sounds of it, he's a Hero.