VERY URGENT ALERT

STERLING KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARADE IS 10:00 A.M.

Last week's paper listed the Knights of Columbus Parade starting at 9 a.m. TODAYS paper lists the parade starting at 10 a.m.

STERLING KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARADE IS 10:00 A.M.

Sterlingfest officially 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is principally around the Sterling Community Center.

Before you head out anywhere, please carefully read the following alert from Sheriff Steve Simpson. Thank you.

Sheriff's Office Issues Safety Alert in Response to Suspicious Events

Several suspicious events over the past week and a half has prompted the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office to issue an alert to the public concerning child safety.

PARENTS URGED TO TELL CHILDREN

Parents are urged to review information with their children about what to do if a stranger approaches them. Never take anything from a stranger. If a stranger asks you a question, don't talk. Run away. Don't go anywhere with a stranger. Children should go to the nearest house of a neighbor they trust or their home if a stranger approaches them. When walking to and from school, children should walk with a friend or as a group.

Children should also be told to try and remember as much information as they can about the stranger. Things like a description of the stranger, clothing worn, voice, type/color of vehicle used, license plate, and any unusual markings can help law enforcement officials find the suspect. They should tell an adult as soon as possible so the police can be notified.

The latest safety alert comes after several incidents in the past few weeks involving school-aged children and strangers. Last Thursday Sheriff's Deputies responded to the 120 block of Victoria Place in Sterling for a report of a suspicious event. In the incident a 7-year-old Sterling girl was rollerblading around 6:30 in the evening when an unknown subject attempted to grab her arm. According to the victim the man fled the scene when she screamed. The vehicle was described as being dark in color.

On Monday Sheriff's Deputies responded to two more suspicious events where a White male subject, who was a passenger in a dark colored vehicle, offered candy to juveniles in two separate incidents. In both incidents a White female drove the vehicle.

EAST CHARLOTTE STREET

The first incident occurred around 2:30 PM in the area of East Charlotte Street and North Brandon Avenue of Sterling. The unknown subject offered candy to a 10-year-old female who was walking home from school. The 10-year-old refused the candy and ran to her home.

SIMILAR INCIDENT

Approximately ten minutes later a similar incident occurred in the area of the 1700 block of Sterling Boulevard. Again a White male subject, who was a passenger in the vehicle, offered candy to another 10-year-old Sterling girl who was walking home from school. The 10-year-old left the scene and ran home.

In both cases the passenger is described as being in his mid 20's and having short brown or black spiked hair, a brown mustache and a goatee and glasses.

DESCRIPTION OF CAR

The car is described as being black or dark green. In both cases the vehicle was driven by a White female who is described as having fair skin, shoulder length brown or dark hair and wearing glasses.

The Sheriff's Office reminds residents to immediately report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood by either calling 703-777-1021 or 9-1-1.