Police investigating two different incidents involving students being approached by adult

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Police are investigating two different incidents this week involving kids being approached by an adult on the street.

One happened in Penfield, the other in Webster.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is searching for both men in each incident. One investigator says while adults, approaching kids in a certain fashion, these days is not perceived as "normal", they still need to find and question the man. Sgt. CJ Zimmerman, with the MCSO says, the nature of the questions the adult was asking the child appears to be harmless.

"It was something that could be along the lines of can you give me directions, what did cause concern is the male talked to the kid and in this day in age, it’s not normal,” Zimmerman said.

The sheriff’s office wouldn’t go into further details about the questions but said it jas increased patrols in the area. They say a man pulled over in the neighborhood of Yorktown Drive and Guygrace Lane in Penfield around 6 p.m. Tuesday and engaged in a conversation with an 11-year-old boy riding his scooter.

"Male white, about 20-40 years of age, slim build, facial acne, short brown hair, he was in a mid-sized grey SUV. It had rust along the bottom of the doors,” Zimmerman added.

Police say after the child brushed him off, the man tried to talk to him again.

"He stayed in his vehicle, he never got out, the kid was riding by, and the man tried to engage him in conversation.”

A similar incident happened in Webster. This time, it was in front of a high school. Webster police say students were working on a project outside Webster Thomas when a silver SUV Pontiac Vibe, stopped and a man got out and started walking towards them. Investigators say the man started taking pictures of the students. The students yelled and he left. That man is described as white, thin build, and with brown hair pulled back into a bun.

The sheriff’s office applauds the young kids for being vigilant and knowing what to do when something doesn’t seem right.

"We don’t know what he meant, we don’t know what it is, but number one the kids did a great job, we’re being especially cognizant of any suspicious vehicles,” Zimmerman added.

Police did not confirm if the two incidents were connected or if they believe it was the same man. The sheriff’s office says the patrols will continue. We are still waiting for a statement from the Webster Police Department.