EM Residents,

Ann Jansen emailed out this report last night concerning suspicious activity in our neighborhood. Hats off to her girls on handling the situation and to Ann for contacting the Leesburg Police Department. Remember, when in doubt...always contact the Police Department to file a report. It is always best to err on the side of caution. Below is her email.

Regards,

Joseph Hays
EM Safety Chair

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Dear Neighbors,

I would like to make everyone aware of a situation that occurred in our neighborhood this afternoon, Wednesday, Sept 5, at approximately 4:00- 4:15 pm.

A small-sized, dark green pick-up truck (license plate # JZY-5577), driven by a Caucasian male (approx 40 yrs.old, dark hair) drove down Balch Springs Circle, held a camera out the passenger-side window (while driving), and took a photo of my daughter and some of her middle school-aged friends who were sitting in our front yard .

The girls were very concerned (“freaked out”) by his behavior and alerted me immediately. We went outside to look for the vehicle. As the girls were describing the truck/driver to me, we noticed the vehicle approaching again from the opposite direction down Balch Springs. As it passed, we stood on the sidewalk and were able to get a positive ID of the license plate and a good description of the driver. His window was completely rolled down, so I yelled (very loudly, as he passed directly in front of me),
“Excuse me! Why did you take a picture of my daughter?” He completely ignored me, looked straight ahead, and accelerated quickly out of the neighborhood. I called the Leesburg Police. They looked up the plate # and told me they could not disclose any information over the phone, but that they were sending out an officer.

The officer went to the home of the driver first and questioned him. When the officer arrived here, he told me that the man had no criminal record, but that his behavior was very concerning during questioning- noting that the man was very nervous/agitated and his responses were very suspicious. (Not indicative of some one who may just have been checking out the neighborhood to purchase a home, etc). To quote the police officer, “his behavior was very concerning and I could tell he was up to no good.” The officer said he planned to do some additional follow-up back at the station and that he would get back to me with his findings. He also confirmed that the man did not reside in our neighborhood.

He commended the children for knowing what to do and getting the information needed to find this person. He told them twice to continue playing outside (not to let this make them live in fear) but to learn from it- and keep an eye out. BE OBSERVANT OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Children- If anyone or anything makes you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult right away. Adults- do not hesitate to contact the police regarding any circumstance, even if you think it’s minor/probably nothing. They want you to call.

If you notice this vehicle/or any suspicious behavior, please contact Officer Abilmona of the Leesburg Police Department at 703- 771-4500 Case # 200703227

Lastly, our community recently formed the first-ever Leesburg Neighborhood Community Watch Program (A big “thank you” to resident Joe Hayes). Because of my participation in the meetings, and the information learned, I knew what to do in this situation.

Working together we can help ensure the safety of our families here at Evergreen Meadows. I am proud that our community has made safety a priority, and that we have come together, neighbors looking out for neighbors, to protect the most valuable asset we have- one another.

Thank you.

Ann Jansen
105 Balch Springs Circle