LYON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 253 Emporia are investigating after two William Allen White Elementary students were approached by a stranger as they walked home from school Thursday afternoon, according to Superintendent Kevin Case.

The report came in around 4pm on Thursday afternoon. The man approached the students near East 9th Avenue and Cottonwood Street at the south edge of the school campus and reportedly yelled at two students to come home with him, according to Emporia Police.

A review of surveillance video in the area showed a person of interest. The video shows this man in the area at the time of the report.

The man appears to be Caucasian, wearing sunglasses, a hooded jacket or coat and light colored jeans or sweatpants.

They students back to the school to report the incident to a staff member. School officials immediately notified Emporia Police, and they came by the school to get a report.

“Both students were unharmed and we are especially proud of their smart and quick reaction,” according to Case.

He urged parents to take time to remind children to be watchful and to not interact with strangers near the playground or along the route to and from schools. “Teachers will emphasize the message at all of our schools as well, and our staff will be vigilant to watch for individuals who have no reason to be around the schools.”

Anyone with information about the identity of this man is asked to call the Emporia Police Department at 620 343-4200 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 342-2273.