Michigan communities on high alert after reports of child predators in vans

HAMBURG TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two very similar incidents have been reported since Saturday in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. 

Residents are told be on the lookout for a white or gray cargo van with two men inside after reports of men trying to lure young boys into the van. 

Here are details of the incidents: 

9-year-old boy approached in Dexter Township

Officials with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said a 9-year-old boy was approached around 9 p.m. Sunday near Orchard Street and Portage Lake Avenue in Dexter Township. A man got out of a white van and told the boy to get into the van.

A second man got out of the front passenger door, and the child fled on his bicycle, police said. He immediately reported the incident to his mother.

Washtenaw County officials said they are working with the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, which has had two similar incidents reported since Saturday.

12-year-old boy approached in Hamburg Township

Hamburg Township police said a 12-year-old boy was approached around 2 p.m. Saturday near M-36 and McGregor Road by what he described as a gray minivan.

The boy said the driver of the van called out of him and asked if he would like a ride home.

The boy described the driver as a white man in his 20s.

Description of men

The driver of the white van is described as a white man, around 20 years old, with no facial hair and a thin build. He was wearing a black sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

There was no description given for the passenger of the white van.

The 9-year-old boy said the van was a white cargo-style van with no windows. Other children have described it as more of a mini-van style vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 734-973-4874 or 734-973-7711, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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About the Authors

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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