‘Stranger danger’ cases rising in El Paso County

Cases of suspicious adults approaching local children in “stranger dangers” have more than doubled this year, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Lt. Jeff Kramer said seven children have been either enticed or kidnapped this year, compared to only three in 2011.

“We don’t know why,” said Kramer. “It certainly raises attention.”

The latest incident happened last Saturday in Widefield when a man used a story about a lost dog to try to get a child to enter his truck. She ran away from him, and he fled.

Many Widefield residents only learned Friday of the incident.

“It’s just scary knowing that something could happen to (kids),” said parent Sanita Lovato. “It could even be an older kid. You never know.”

“Parents need to know that (danger) is everywhere,” said Vennessa Geisler, a mother of three. “Just because you’re close to a school doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.”

Geisler also wondered why suspects seem to be bolder about approaching children.

“Maybe (residents) think they’re new neighbors and don’t recognize or think about it.”

Several cases of stranger danger were suspected in Widefield last year, but authorities say nothing indicates the community is more vulnerable to it.

“Widefield is predominantly a densely-populated residential area that has a number of schools in the area,” said Kramer. “And schools, especially at the beginning of the year, offer a predictable schedule for some of these suspects.”

Kramer says authorities will continue to ask that parents and children be alert for suspicious behavior, stay away from it and report it immediately. He said his office also will consider extra patrols, if needed.