Hispanic man tries to lure 12-year-old boy into white van in Gueydan

GUEYDAN - People in Gueydan are on the look out for a mysterious white van and keeping an eye on their children at the same time.
Recently, the driver of a white van stopped along the highway and tried to persuade 12-year-old Keagan Kibodeaux to cross the highway and enter the van.
Young Kibodeaux reported that he was riding his four-wheeler on a path next to the highway. His four-wheeler suddenly stopped. The white van also stopped across the highway where Kibodeaux was parked. A Hispanic looking man climbed out of the van and motioned to the boy to go to him, opening the van door.
The stranger waved him over asking him to cross the highway, asking him if he needed help. The man showed the boy his cell phone.
Kibodeaux answered “no” and thought there was something not right.
A few seconds later, Kibodeaux’s uncle turned the corner of his house and saw what was happening. The man saw the uncle on his way and then jumped back into the van. The van sped off.
Kibodeaux said he saw two Hispanic men and one Hispanic woman in the van.
Witnesses have said the van has faded logos on the side and was seen throughout Gueydan.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon warns residents not to approach any vehicle if you are not familiar with the person.
A report of an attempted child abduction is very serious and was reported in Gueydan–––. The Sheriff is asking all residents to report any suspicious activity seen involving a white van so that law enforcement can respond and investigate. The Sheriff is offering these safety tips that could help avoid a child abduction:
Check out babysitters, suspicious people in the neighborhood and anyone you hire to work in your home. Your Sheriff Office provides access to a list of convicted sexual predators on the VPSO Web site. Get references of people you want to hire and be sure to check them out.
After workers leave your home, check ALL windows and doors to make sure they are locked.
Never leave garage door openers or spare house keys “hidden” in spots where they might easily be found.
Tell your children that, “Strangers mean danger”. If someone stops next to them in a car, tell them to run away toward the rear of the car since backing up fast is difficult.
If youngsters are on a bike, hold it between them and the abductors car. Teach your children that if they are pulled into a car, they should jump into the backseat as soon as possible and try to escape through the window.
Develop code words for anyone you trust to pick up your children and teach your little ones the code. Tell them not to ride or go with anyone who doesn’t know the code.
Know the places your children play, learn about their friends and friends’ families - especially before they go to people’s homes to play.
Show children safe places in your neighborhood to run to if they feel threatened - the home of a trusted friend, the local police station or firehouse.
Tell children to trust their instincts. “If they think something’s wrong with someone they meet, they should run away.”
Warn children not to fall for common lures such as: needing help finding a lost puppy or playing with new toys. Some molesters tell youngsters they are cute and want to take their picture, or that they have a toy or candy for them. When children hear these approaches from a stranger, they should run fast to a safe place.
If kids get lost while shopping they should go to the nearest security guard or cashier. DO NOT ASK A SHOPPER THEY DON’T KNOW AND DO NOT GO INTO THE PARKING LOT TO SEARCH FOR YOU.
Children can make a potential abductor panic and flee by screaming at the top of their lungs, “He’s kidnapping me!!!!!,” or “Fire” will quickly bring attention to the attempted abduction.
Tell children to walk on sidewalks, as far away from the curb as possible against the flow of traffic so they can see who’s approaching. That will make it more difficult for them to be surprised by a driver and quickly snatched.
Never let your little children use a public restroom by themselves.
Warn older children never to hitchhike.
Review the security policy of your child’s school and day-care centers. Don’t be shy about speaking up if you see a flaw.
Avoid putting your children’s names on their garments and possessions. When children hear their names called, they let their guard down, thinking it’s someone they know.
For identification purposes, take a lock of your child’s hair for DNA.
Prepare your children well - these (abductors and predators) are anywhere - and it can happen anywhere!
Safety Tips for Teens
Keep your parents informed of your whereabouts.
When taking a trip have your route mapped out and travel time included. Call the party you are visiting to let them know your departure time and call home upon your arrival.
Don’t make a habit of traveling alone, i.e., walking, jogging, bike riding.
Stay away from things that may make you vulnerable, i.e., drugs & alcohol.
If you drive a vehicle - don’t pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
Stay away from remote areas that you are unfamiliar with.
Girls:
Don’t wear provocative or sexy clothing as this attracts older men.
Don’t flirt with groups of boys or strangers.
Parents:
Know your child’s friends, their parents, addresses and contact numbers.
Have a set of rules for your kids to follow and enforce them.
Working and/or busy parents must take the time to relearn their children and their habits.
Get involved in your children’s lives. Be A Parent!
Don’t say - “You know how kids are today!”
Kids are how you allow them to be!