Dear ANSLL parents:
Recently there have been reported stories pertaining to "child abduction," "attempted kidnapping" or related incidents that have occured in or near a ballpark or Fairfax County park area.
I have spoken with an official from Fairfax County Police Department and am offering the following information that should provide a better understanding of these incidents:
On Saturday September 19 FCPD took a report of an individual that physically picked up a child, set the child down, and then left the scene. This occured at Bucknell Elementary School which is located in the Mount Vernon area. At the time of the incident Alexandria Potomac Little League was involved with a clinic and the child is an APLL player. The adult male - described as white, 6 feet tall, 50-60 years old with gray hair - was operating a remote-controlled car when he picked up the child. The man then left the area driving a dark-colored Mercedes or Volvo. FCPD does not consider this to be a possible child abduction, rather, they consider it to be a suspicious incident and are interested in speaking with the man.
On September 30 FCPD took a report of a suspicious man at Baron Cameron Park in Reston, VA that occured on Thursday September 10. The man was observed to be operating a remote-controlled car and talking with a child. Described as white, 5' 9' and in his 40's, the man left the park in a silver-colored car. At this time FCPD doesn't consider this to be related to the incident at Bucknell Elementary.
These situations serve to remind us of what we need to do as parents or guardians of ANSLL ballplayers. Please take the time to make sure that your child's coach is actually present when dropping off for practice or a game. Additionally, take a moment to see that no child is left unattended or waiting to be picked up at the end of a game or practice.
Thank you,
Tim Corcoran
ANSLL President
These situations serve to remind us of what we need to do as parents or guardians of ANSLL ballplayers. Please take the time to make sure that your child's coach is actually present when dropping off for practice or a game. Additionally, take a moment to see that no child is left unattended or waiting to be picked up at the end of a game or practice.
Thank you,
Tim Corcoran
ANSLL President