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Skateboarders report 'suspicious' man
Deputies say that eight boys at a park were asked by a man purporting to be a skatebording company rep to provide personal information in return for free equipment.
By JONATHAN ABEL
Published August 16, 2006
SPRING HILL - He said he was a representative for a major skateboarding company, but something didn't seem right. He wanted the names, phone numbers and addresses of the kids gathered to skateboard at Pioneer Park in Spring Hill one day last week. The kids told the park's management, and they in turn called the Sheriff's Office. Authorities are now looking for a "suspicious" man. According to the kids, the man said he was recruiting people to be sponsored by his company and if they gave up their personal information and got sponsored, they could receive free skateboards and apparel. At least two of the youngsters gave him their information, according to the Sheriff's Office. But some of the others got suspicious because the man was dressed entirely in Nike clothing when he was supposed to be representing a different brand. The Sheriff's Office checked with the skateboard company, whose name was not released, and confirmed that the company did not have any representatives working in the area. The incident happened on Aug. 11, between 5 and 6 p.m. when the man approached a group of eight boys whose ages ranged from 7 to 16. The man left in a small white SUV, possibly a Blazer or GMC, the Sheriff's Office said. The kids could make out only part of the Florida license plate, which started with the letters "ABT." "I credit the children for being on their toes and noticing that something wasn't right about the way he was representing himself," said sheriff's spokeswoman Deputy Donna L. Black. "We need a reminder for parents and children not to give personal information to strangers, no matter who they say they are." Authorities ask that anyone with information contact the Hernando County Crime Stoppers hotline at 352-797-TIPS. Jonathan Abel can be reached at jabel@sptimes.com or 352 754-6114.
[Last modified August 16, 2006, 06:52:36]
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