Man tried to lead girls selling Girl Scout cookies to his SUV, Jacksonville neighbors say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Neighbors are concerned after they say a man tried to lure two little girls selling Girl Scout Cookies to his SUV in Grove Park on Saturday.

A concerned neighbor posted a picture of the SUV to the Nextdoor app, saying the driver tried to entice the two young girls to follow him to the vehicle.

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Pastor of the Holiday Hill Baptist Church, Albert Byrd, says the Girl Scouts were selling Girl Scout cookies at a craft fair hosted by the church Saturday, and the man’s vehicle was parked about two blocks away from the church.

Byrd says he learned of the incident after it happened.

“That’s how it was communicated, that he tried to convince them that he needed them to come with him to get change for the case that he was purchasing cookies with,” said Byrd.

Neighbors say a parent stepped in to prevent the girls from going with the man.

Byrd tells us he grew especially concerned when neighbors in other areas began reporting similar situations.

“That there were other people with a similar description of the vehicle, similar circumstances,” said Byrd.

Action News Jax reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for an update on the investigation.

A JSO spokesperson tells Action News Jax the incident was investigated, the man has been identified, and charges have not been filed.

“A word that we hear in a lot of places, vigilance. And it’s not only parents, it’s community members. You know, you need to be vigilant about what’s going on,” said Byrd.

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Action News Jax has requested the incident report.

As soon as we have additional information, we’ll be sure to update you on air, online and on the Action News Jax mobile app.

Cox Media Group