Suspicious van driver tried to pick up Bannockburn ES students in Bethesda

Montgomery County Police 2nd District commander Captain David Falcinelli is advising parents to discuss "stranger" situations with their children, after a suspicious van driver tried to pick up two Bannockburn Elementary School students walking home from school this week. The children ran home after the suspect asked them to get in his vehicle, described as a white, work van.

Following the incident, which police have deemed suspicious, Falcinelli says he has ordered police patrols in that area during the arrival and dismissal times at Bannockburn ES. The Special Victims Investigations Division is conducting an investigation into the incident. And Falcinelli has released a guide for parents to discuss what to do when approached by a stranger.

Residents are asked to call 911 for emergencies or 301-279-8000 for non-emergencies, to report any suspicious activity.