PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth Police have increased security at school bus stops off of Churchland Boulevard.
This move follows an incident where a student was flashed by a man while walking to a bus stop on Thursday. That stop is located at Tejo Lane and Silver Maple Drive.
Parent Delita Williams feels like she has to watch her high schooler like a hawk now, just steps away from her house.
“It’s scary because I don’t know when somebody might try to get her,” Williams said.
Williams received a voicemail about the exposure from her daughter's principal at Churchland High School.
“Everybody is worrying about everybody’s children,” Williams said. “We are going with them to the bus stop, all of us.”
Just two weeks ago, Portsmouth Police said a man assaulted a student heading to a bus stop nearby.
“There is a connection that is going on,” Williams said. “I feel like it is.”
Police said they don’t have evidence that connects the two incidents yet, but they will continue to watch students at the bus stop.
“When the kids are getting on the bus and in the evening when they get off,” said Sergeant Roberto Diaz.
Sgt. Diaz said parents should teach their children to be aware of their surroundings and potential dangers. Above all, he wants kids to always speak up.
“At the end of the day, the kids should have a plan,” Sgt. Diaz said. “If they see someone, let somebody know. Let the bus driver know immediately.”
Williams said she hopes police catch the man soon, so she can stop preparing her daughter for the worst.
“I tell my daughter just drop whatever you got, get your tail over to the house and run,” Williams said.
Portsmouth Police have a vague description of the man. They said he is a taller black male who was wearing a grey hoodie and light jeans when the incident happened.
