There have been multiple instances reported to police, as well as instances described on social media this week, of a man approaching people in retail areas and even in their apartment complexes making cryptic statements. Those approached by the man viewed the statements and actions as potential threats.

"We're in the car checking the mail. This comes up to my car. My fiance was driving," said Celena Prado, a Springfield resident. "The guy says, ten more days. We look at each other. We put the window up."

A seemingly calculated, but cryptic threat, Prado says she received now three days ago from a complete stranger to her. It happened outside an apartment complex on West Battlefield between Kansas and South Campbell.

"So the guy takes his phone out and takes a picture of us. When we are reversing trying to leave the apartment complex, he gets closer to the end of my car and takes another picture of my plates," she said.

Prado did not call police, but she said her fiance mentioned what happened at his place of work, and a coworker showed him a social media post regarding a strikingly similar incident in the same area.

Springfield Police are also investigating a similar case reported to them from outside a supermarket on West Battlefield near Kansas.

"'In ten days,' what does that mean? What's going to happen?" Prado said. "I felt more frustrated about getting pictures taken. Did he actually do it? I don't know."

The cases shared with KY3 News happened on the southwest side of Springfield along Battlefield. Police said they are not yet sure on a motive, but a police spokesperson said in other instances, the man reportedly claimed to be with the police department.

Police say if this happens to you, they want you to call 911 immediately.