Suspicious Incident Near Elementary School 

September 5, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Thursday morning at approximately 7:44 A.M., a 10-year-old 5th-grade student was approached by an unknown male while walking to school near the intersection of Karen Road and Avenue 16 ½, adjacent to the rear of Sierra View Elementary School.

According to the student, a male adult driving a light gray Jeep Gladiator truck pulled up alongside him, facing into oncoming traffic, and asked multiple times if he wanted a ride to school. The child refused, and the driver eventually reversed his vehicle and drove off westbound on Avenue 16 ½. The driver never left his vehicle or attempted physical contact.

The driver is described as a Hispanic male in his mid-to-late 20s, thin build, with short black or brown hair. He was reportedly wearing a black hat with red writing, a navy-blue jacket, and had sunglasses with red frames hanging from his shirt collar. The vehicle’s tailgate was down and reportedly featured blue writing on both front doors.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this incident. Unfortunately, no cameras in the area captured the vehicle.

This update is being shared following several calls from concerned parents. While the driver’s exact intent is not known, there was not an overt kidnapping attempt. We believe it is prudent to share this information, so the community is aware.

We encourage parents to talk with their children about personal safety and to remind them to report anything that feels wrong. Community members are urged to report any sightings of individuals or vehicles matching this description immediately to Madera County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (559) 675-7770.

Source: Madera County Sheriff’s Office