The recent “suspicious subjects” social media posts have created fear and concern in our community. Click ‘Read More’ for the complete CPD statement on the incidents
The social media posts have identified three specific locations; Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby and Jewel. Detectives from the Clinton Police Department have communicated directly with subjects involved in these incident or witnesses to these incidents. In an attempt to reduce public fear or concerns we wish to share our findings.
On 1/9/2018 a call for service was generated reference a male standing outside the Wal-mart grocery doors asking females for a ride to Home Depot. The female caller and female passenger left the area prior to the police arrival. A police officer made contact with a male matching the description provided by the caller and identified him. The male stated while he was standing outside Wal-mart he did ask several subjects for a ride to Home Depot. The male said he asked both males and females for a ride. The police officer transported the male to Home Depot. When the male exited the squad car the police officer observed the male enter a semi-truck and drive away. License and registration information was collected.
On 1/23/2018 a call for service was generated reference a male possibly harassing a female in the Jewel parking lot. A security video shows a possible argument between the male and female. No physical altercation occurred between the male and female. The female entered her vehicle and drove away. The male entered the store and made a purchase. Neither the male or female involved called requesting police service.
After the Clinton Police Department post on 1/24/2018, Detectives received the following information.
A citizen reported on 1/22/2018 she was sitting inside her vehicle with her children at Wal-mart when a male subject approached her vehicle. The female driver was involved in the phone conversation and did not see the subject approaching. A child in the vehicle attempted to gain the driver’s attention. When the driver concluded her phone conversation she asked her child what was needed. The child directed the driver’s attention to a male walking eastbound through the parking lot. The child said the male subject walked up to their vehicle and thought he was going to open the door. The driver believes the male subject was scared off because he saw her in the vehicle or heard her child calling to her. The citizen said she entered Wal-mart and brought the incident to the attention of Wal-mart security.
A citizen reported during a visit to Hobby Lobby she observed approximately 4 male subjects inside the business wearing dark clothing. The citizen said as she walked about the store she continued to see them. The citizen said the subjects did not attempt to contact her but she was uncomfortable and became fearful. The citizen said she contacted store employees and requested they walk her from the store to her vehicle.
We take each of these incidents seriously. We do not minimize the concerns of those involved or those who witnessed them. Our investigation has determined that these incidents do not pose any danger to our community. We hope by sharing factual details of these cases it will help to reduce or eliminate any unjustifiable fear or concern for public safety.
