Suspicious vehicle spotted at bus stops

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit is asking Historic City News readers to help locate or identify the driver of a panel van seen loitering in and cruising the area of several school bus stops over the past week.

Deputies responded to the first call last Friday, August 22nd, reporting a white van that allegedly followed a 14-year-old female student after she exited her school bus in the area SR-16 and Rues Landing Road.

The student told deputies that she was uncomfortable and went to a neighbor’s house, where she phoned her mother. There was no reported attempt to make contact with the student, and deputies were not able to locate and verify the occupant’s identity or intentions.

This past Monday, August 25th, Crookshank Elementary School received a phone call, indicating a white van was circling a bus stop near the outlet mall. The Sheriff’s Office contacted the caller who said she heard a rumor regarding the incident and did not witness it firsthand.

Detectives are currently seeking the source of that information, in order to validate what occurred and garner additional information.

Today, August 26th, two elementary-aged females reported a white van drove past them several times in the area of Pearl and McLaughlin Streets. The unknown male driver reportedly stopped and took photographs of them, before driving away. Again, there was no communication with the students and no attempt to contact them.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information concerning these events as well as any information on the vehicle, driver and possible occupants. The students described the van as a white work styled van, with numerous windows and stickers on the back.

They further described the vehicle as having blue rims, an interior dividing gate, with boxes and work tools in the back. They described the driver as an older man with light colored hair and facial hair.

Anyone with information regarding these events is asked to call the Special Victims Unit at 904-824-8304 or email crimetips@sjso.org. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 888-277-8477. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.