Man sought for questioning in possible child abduction attempt

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point police are looking for a man who may have been attempting to abduct a teenager near Bukolt Park.

According to a news release from SPPD, a 14-year-old girl was approached by a man driving a “shiny back SUV” on July 18, as she walked south on First St. from Bukolt Ave. at about 2:30 p.m.

The man twice gestured for the girl to remove her ear buds, but she ignored him. The man then drove parallel to her, asking where she was going and if she wanted a ride.

He then told the girl to get into his car.

“Then she stopped walking and started digging in her backpack, and he made a U-turn and drove off,” said Det. Bob Kussow.

Kussow said the man was described as a white male in his mid-30s, with a trimmed orange/brown beard, and a shaved head. He wore a neon green shirt, “similar to what construction workers might wear,” he said.

“We don’t really know exactly why he was asking her where she was going, obviously we need to find out who this individual is and what kind of history he has,” Kussow said.

Kussow added the girl believes the SUV was newer because “it was so clean” and had no distinguishing stickers or rims. Police canvassed the neighborhood but were unable to obtain additional information, he said.

Kussow advised young people to travel in groups during their summer activities, even during the day.

“If you’re approached by someone, walk to a public area where there’s a lot of people,” Kussow said. “Try to be in a group, even if it is during daylight hours. The girl involved here did the correct thing by ignoring him.”

Anyone with information concerning this incident should contact Kussow at (715) 346-1515, or to remain anonymous, contact Portage County Crimestoppers at (888) 346-6600.