STERLING HEIGHTS — In the latest in a flood of local “stranger danger” incidents, a man in an SUV reportedly offered a girl a ride as she walked to school March 10.

According to Sterling Heights police, the 13-year-old girl was walking along 15 Mile en route to Grissom Middle School at around 7:40 a.m. when a newer-model blue SUV with tinted windows pulled into her path from the 15-Ryan Plaza.

The driver — described as a 50-year-old white man with gray hair and a light beard — rolled down his window and asked the girl if she wanted a ride. The girl declined, and continued on her way, walking around behind the vehicle.

As she walked past the vehicle, the suspect began gesturing, beckoning her toward the SUV.

The girl ignored his movements and continued walking, then reported the incident to a crossing guard. The suspect was last seen driving west on 15 Mile. Police likened the size and shape of his vehicle to a Jeep Liberty.

It’s the second reported “stranger danger” incident in the vicinity of Grissom in recent weeks. The school sent home a cautionary letter to parents after another student reported that white males had called out to him, trying to entice him to approach a white SUV at 15 Mile and Ryan in February. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800 or Detective John Pachla at (586) 446-2947.

People also can submit anonymous tips through the tip411 program by texting the information, with “shpolice” as the first line, to tip411 (847411) on their cell phones.

— Cortney Casey