Humble student claims she was followed on way to Riverwood Middle School

HUMBLE, Texas – The principal of Riverwood Middle School in Humble issued a letter to families after a sixth-grade student said she was followed by a man on a bicycle on her way to school Wednesday morning.

The girl told officials that at one point the man got off his bike, making her feel uncomfortable. However, when a woman stopped her car nearby and got out, the man sped away.

Principal Donnie Bodron said the student was not harmed, but felt uncomfortable with the situation.

She described the man as Hispanic with dark hair with blondish highlights. He was wearing black, baggy shorts and a black shirt.

In the statement Bodron sent out, she emphasized stranger-danger rules, urging families to discuss safety tips with their children. She listed safety steps parents can share with their children:

• Walk to and from school in groups.
• Never talk to strangers or accept rides from them.
• Don't panic. If you are afraid or have a problem, call a parent or a trusted adult.
• Arrange for immediate access to neighbors and other trusted adults who could answer questions or be contacted in an emergency.
• Tour the neighborhood to identify safe and dangerous circumstances and places.
• Never tell people at the door or phone callers that you are home alone. Say your parents are busy and offer to take a message.
• Keep your house key hidden. Don't give it to anyone and don't keep it in a visible place that would tell people you are going home to an empty house.
• Never get into a car, enter a home, look for a lost pet, or accept candy or toys from an adult, unless your parents know what you are doing and have given you their permission first.