For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Andover Police Identify Man Who Allegedly Approached Children in His Vehicle on Tuesday

No Criminal Intent or Action, but Individual Notified Actions Made Others Uncomfortable

ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe reports that the Andover Police Department has identified and questioned a New Hampshire man as part of the department’s investigation into a Tuesday afternoon incident where several children complained about a suspicious man approaching them in a vehicle.

The individual, a 54-year-old man, was identified as the motorist who allegedly approached a group of children late Tuesday evening and allegedly beckoned to them and engaged them in a conversation that made the children concerned enough to report the situation to their parents who called the Andover Police Department.

While the individual’s actions did not legally rise to the level of a criminal offense, officers made it clear to him that his actions made people uncomfortable and that he should cease.

Chief Keefe praised the vigilance of the children and their families.

“Anytime someone sees something suspicious or something that makes them uncomfortable, they should call us. There is no such thing as bothering the police,” Chief Keefe said. “I am proud of our residents for bringing their concerns forward and pleased that our officers identified this individual promptly.”

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