OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — An alleged gunman robbed a juvenile of her backpack Monday morning in Overland Park as she walked to school.
The robbery happened moments after the suspect broke into a car and stole an item less than a block away, police said.
The suspect targeted the juvenile as the suspect vehicle was leaving the neighborhood.
Police said the man allegedly pointed a firearm at the girl before taking her backpack. She was not harmed, per OPPD.
Both incidents happened around 8 a.m. near 132nd and Outlook Street. Police said patrols have been increased in the area near Overland Trail Middle School.
KSHB 41's Elyse Schoenig spoke with a mother who said it was her 11-year-old daughter who was robbed at gunpoint.
The mother said her daughter is physically OK. It was neighbors who heard her daughter screaming for help Monday morning.
Despite living so close to school, the victim's mother doesn't see how she'll feel comfortable with her daughter walking to class from here on out.
Schoenig also talked to parents and guardians of the middle school as they were picking up their kids Monday afternoon.
Many said they were shocked to hear something like this had happened in the area.
"We never have any concerns about the safety of the area," said Michelle Wineland, who was picking her granddaughter up from school. "We’ve never seen anything untoward. We live close by, and we’ve never seen anything like that."
Overland Trail Middle School Principal Dr. Trent Stern reassured families in a letter that the student was safe and that the "safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority."
"We are actively supporting the police department in their investigation and will continue to collaborate closely with them to ensure the safety of our students and school community," Stern wrote. "We are incredibly thankful for the student’s quick thinking and courage in immediately reporting the incident to the Overland Park Police Department. Their actions not only ensured their safety but also helped protect our community."
OPPD described the suspect as a man wearing a black mask and a gray sweatshirt.
The suspect vehicle, a white SUV, was last seen traveling eastbound toward Nall Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is urged to call OPPD at 913-890-1374.
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