Police investigate suspicious incident at school bus stop

At 7:45 a.m. today, a car pulled up to a school bus stop. The man in the vehicle’s passenger seat began asking a group of four children some questions, including whether they had eaten breakfast. Eventually, he offered them money — an offer the children declined — before the car left the area.

Although no crime occurred, the Sarasota Police Department is interested in speaking with the man involved with the incident and is asking the public for help.

According to an SPD release, the incident occurred at 24th Street and Dixie Avenue. Authorities became aware of the event after one of the children present, a 10-year-old, went home to tell her mother what happened. The child said the man asked if they were waiting for the bus and if they had eaten breakfast, at which point he held $2 out the window and offered it to the group.

After the children declined, the vehicle backed up, and the man held out a $5 bill and asked the 10-year-old girl whether she wanted it. After she also declined, the car left the scene, last seen heading south on Dixie Avenue.

The SPD provided images of the vehicle taken from security footage. They also provided a description of the passenger, described as a black man in his 30s with short hair. The department asks anyone with information regarding the incident to call 316-1199, or to anonymously leave a tip with Crime Stoppers online or by calling 366-8477.