An individual has been trespassed from the Chimacum and Port Townsend schools after making contact with two middle school students.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 4, the two students were approached by a man in a gray Ford Ranger after being dropped off at their bus stop.

The students declined the conversation and went home safely, after which a police report was filed, and the schools have corresponded with local law enforcement about ensuring student safety.

The schools have encouraged families to speak with students about staying safe and alert at bus stops, and both avoiding and reporting any concerning encounters with strangers to a trusted adult immediately.

Likewise, if anyone observes suspicious behavior near our schools, they are encouraged to contact 911 immediately.

Sgt. Brett Anglin of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they had received a call from a mother on Feb. 4, several hours after the incident.

Fellow JCSO Sgt. Brandon Przygocki confirmed that they contacted the individual, described as a white man in his 60s to 70s with yellow teeth, who had last been seen on State Route 19, near Embody Road.

Anglin noted that the individual purported to be the new owner of the Uptown Theatre in Port Townsend, and wished to employ the boys.

Anglin added they “found no obvious imminent danger,” and it appeared the individual “is suffering from some cognitive health issues.”

Both Przygocki and Shelly Leavens, director of communications and marketing for the city of Port Townsend, confirm the JCSO and the Port Townsend Police Department trespassed the individual from the Port Townsend and Chimacum school districts on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 5.