*Update as of 4 p.m. Friday, April 8: The Springfield Police Department stated it has identified the person in the reported incidents and will continue to investigate. SPD did not identify the man.
As a Springfield Police Department post asking the community for help identifying a suspect circulates social media, local law enforcement confirms similar situations with the same person have happened in Bolivar.
The Springfield Police Department shared a post stating a tall white man in his mid-20s to 30s with brown or reddish hair, a beard and a muscular build, driving a four-door red sedan thought to be a 2014 Chevy Cruz with a moon/sun roof, “is flagging down women then following them to a parking lot and telling them they have a flat tire.”
The post stated on more than one occasion, the suspect has approached a female with a tire gauge and asked them to exit the vehicle so he can show them the flat tire.
“None of the victims had a flat tire,” the post stated.
Past incidents in Springfield occurred during daylight hours between Wednesday, March 16, and Sunday, April 3.
Lt. Roger Barron with the Bolivar Police Department said BPD patrol officers “confirmed this same scenario has happened in Bolivar with the same person and vehicle described.”
Neither SPD nor BPD identified the suspect.
Barron said it's imporant for people to remember to not follow or go with strangers, even if they seem like they're being helpful.
"Stop in well-lit and public places, let someone know what is going on and where they are, and call police when in doubt," he said.
If people have experienced a similar incident or have more information about the vehicle or suspect, they should call Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).
Barron said the tips that go to Crime Stoppers will be shared with BPD.
