Police: ‘suspicious activity’ directed at local students

Police are investigating two incidents of suspicious behavior toward minors as they were walking home from two area schools late last week.

A 15-year-old Mattituck girl reported to police last Thursday that a Hispanic man driving a dark-colored vehicle with tinted windows offered to give her a ride home as she walked along Westphalia Avenue around 5 p.m., police said.

On Friday, 9- and 12-year-old siblings reported that a dark-colored Honda SUV, also with tinted windows, followed them at slow speed as they walked from their bus stop on a private road in East Marion.

Police advised parents to remind children to turn around and run in the other direction, or to a parent or another trusted adult, if they are ever followed by a vehicle. They should also never approach any vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and should always walk with a friend whenever possible.

ERIN SCHULTZ