Springfield Township police increase patrols after man tries to lure kids with candy

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Springfield Township police are warning parents after they received two reports of a man trying to lure children.

"Being that we have two separate incidents involving the same description of this individual, obviously we consider this a very dangerous situation," said Sergeant Eric East with the Springfield Township Police Department.

East said at around 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, a man approached two children in the Village of Lakemore area and offered the kids candy or a ride. Then about two hours later East said a man, matching the same description as the suspect in the first incident, asked a 14-year-old girl if she needed a ride home. Police told NewsChannel5 the second incident happened near Waterworks Park.

"It's really scary because there's so many people out there that, you know, this world has come to a place where you can't trust people," said Sherry McMillan with her two grandchildren.

The suspect is described to be a White or Hispanic male with dark, spiked hair and tattoos on his left arm. The vehicle is described to be a boxy, tan 4-door with clothes hanging in the rear.

Police have stepped-up patrols in the area. Parents should report suspicious activity to Springfield Township police at 330-643-2181.