working closely with these students and their families, as well as with AAPD as they investigate. We want to commend the students for doing exactly the right thing: leaving the area right away and telling a trusted adult. We are also grateful for AAPD's quick response.

We know news like this is concerning. Our social worker is available to support any student who may be feeling worried.

This is also a good time to review walking and biking safety with your child:

Walk or bike with a group whenever possible.

Do not engage with or approach strangers.

If something feels unsafe, leave the area immediately and tell a trusted adult. 

Following the incident, police increased patrols in the area and said officers will continue monitoring the neighborhood around the park and school.

Bates said he is encouraged to see law enforcement taking extra precautions.

 We want to hear that the police are taking the neighborhood's concerns seriously.  There's nothing more important than protecting our kids,  he said.

Ann Arbor police are asking nearby residents to review home surveillance video recorded around the time of the incident and contact investigators if they spot anything suspicious that could help identify the man.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734-794-6920, email tips@a2gov.org, or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Witness at aapd.a2gov.org/SilentWitness.