Crime & Safety

Commack Students Approached by Suspicious SUV

Superintendent Donald James issues letter to alert parents in the school district.

Three Commack students were approached and solicited by a suspicious SUV on the way to school Monday morning, according to a letter issued by Commack school officials. 

Superintendent Donald James issued a stranger incident alert, published on the district's website, that Suffolk County police notified the district several students were approach on the way to school. 

Police said an "older," white male driving a blue Nissan Pathfinder with a gray stripe pulled up to the curb outside of a house on Bluegrass Lane at approximately 7 p.m. on May 4. The driver called out "I have something for you" to a 10-year-old girl and her two friends, according to police. The three girls headed inside to notify a parent, police said, the man pulled away from the curb saying "You'll never know." 

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In response to the threat, James said the district has taken steps to protect the safety of its student and staff including assigning additional security staff at each building during arrival and dismissal. All staff were instructed to lock all exterior doors and proper identification must be show by all persons looking to enter a building during school hours. 

"Please be assured that the above procedures are currently in place at each of our schools.  However, given the circumstances, I am asking each principal and/or department head to reinforce the above, and to be ever diligent with security," James wrote.

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The superintendent advised parents to review security with their own children, including a list of suggestions, that mentions walking with friends, wearing light colored clothing and making sure your child's cell phone is charged if they have one. 

Suffolk County police could not be immediately reached to provide additional details on when exactly the suspicious van that approached the students. 


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