Springfield police said Tuesday they are investigating two attempted abductions in which teenage girls were apparently the targets.

According to a news release from the Springfield Police Department, girls have reported an older, heavy-set white man with gray hair and a scruffy beard possibly trying to kidnap them.

The first incident described by police happened on Sept. 17. The release says a 13-year-old girl was waiting for the bus at Seminole Street and Weller Avenue when a white man approached her in a white vehicle.

The release says the man tried to entice the girl into the vehicle, but she refused and ran away.

The second incident described by police happened Monday. The release says two 13-year-old girls and a 12-year-old girl had just gotten off the school bus at Pickwick Avenue and Wayland Street when a white man started following them on foot.

The release says the girls noticed the man was keeping pace with them as they walked. The girls then began running and screaming, and the suspect ran away, according to the release.

The girls described the man's vehicle as a large older white car with four doors.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477.

Springfield Public Schools sent a safety alert to parents Tuesday evening that included tips for keeping students safe.

"The safety of our students requires us all to remain alert. Please take this opportunity to discuss stranger safety with your children and remind them of the following:

- Do not talk to strangers.

- Walk with a friend when possible.

- Be observant of your surroundings at all times.

- While you are walking, watch for a safe place where you could seek help if needed.

- Never approach an unknown vehicle

- Do not accept a ride from someone you don’t know.

- If you notice a suspicious vehicle, try to remember the license plate number or other distinguishing characteristics of the car.

- Immediately report anything suspicious to a parent, teacher, trusted adult or by calling 911."

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