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Suspicious bus tried to pick up students in Virginia, police investigating

Police also looked into a second suspicious bus but later learned it was in the area for another pick-up and no criminal activity is suspected.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police have confirmed one of two buses that attempted to pick up children at school bus stops Thursday morning was there for another pick-up and no criminal activity is suspected. The second incident, however, remains under investigation.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, a short white bus with a blue stripe stopped at a bus stop near Southington Lane in Reston just before 7:45 a.m. 

A person who lives in the area told officers they tried to speak with the driver, who shut the door and drove away. The driver has been described as a white man with facial hair. 

Around 10 minutes later, an unmarked yellow school bus with black stripes tried to pick up elementary school students at a bus stop near Chynoweth Street and Telegraph Road in Lorton. Police have confirmed the driver of that bus was in the area for another pick-up and no criminal activity is suspected. 

Police continue to investigate the first incident. 

Fairfax County Public School sent a letter to parents Thursday evening about what they described as "troubling incidents."

According to the letter, additional police patrols were present as the kids returned home to the communities where the suspicious buses stopped. The district's transportation staff and the Office of Safety and Security were made aware of the incidents and were told to keep a watchful eye out. 

"We thank the diligent community members who spoke up today and reported these incidents," the letter reads. "We ask that all our community report anything that they see as suspicious to the police phone number listed above"

Fairfax County Public School buses will always be properly marked. The district says schools will never send an unmarked bus to pick up students. 

"Bus stop information is never posted publicly for safety reasons," the district said "Remind your students that if something doesn’t seem right, to reach out to a trusted adult."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 703-691-2131. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) or submit a tip online

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