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10 Y.O. Asks A Cashier To Pretend To Be His Mom When A Stranger Kept Following Him And Asking To Come With Her
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10 Y.O. Asks A Cashier To Pretend To Be His Mom When A Stranger Kept Following Him And Asking To Come With Her

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Most of us are brought up fearing ‘the stranger.’ Don’t take anything from strangers. Don’t go anywhere with strangers. Don’t trust strangers. So you try to obey, yet you’re not really sure what you’re looking out for. True Crime documentaries, mystery novels and over-the-top mystery shows give some more distinguishable signs to look out for.

But the world of what seems like fiction sometimes comes alive, making us the main characters of scenarios that we’ve been warned against for ages. You try not to make any sudden moves, to walk away silently, using the power of ignoration, yet it doesn’t work wonders—they’re still there, lurking.

One 10-year-old found himself in this sort of situation—a strange woman was following him, asking him to come with her. An idea lit up like a lightbulb in the child’s head, making him run into a store, asking the clerk to pretend to be his mom, making the stranger finally move away. Let’s get into the details!

A 10-year-old boy named Sammy Green handled a frightening situation of being approached by a stranger, trying to lure him away, like a pro

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

True Crime is my personal favorite genre of late-night entertainment. The suspense, the intrigue, the capabilities of fellow human beings that seem anything but human, all unite to create a world that is quite a distance away, and yet, not far enough. However, when true crime scenarios happen in the daylight of a random day, the hairs prickle at the back of one’s neck.

Such a scenario happened on Friday, November 11, when a 10-year-old boy named Sammy Green was approached by a stranger. He was walking home from school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania when he noticed an unknown woman following him, getting closer with each step.

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Sammy was walking home from school November 11 when an unknown woman started following him, asking him about his family, claiming to be a friend

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

The woman “started walking with him and asking him where his family was, asking where his dad was,” Sam Green, the boy’s father, told ABC6. She continued insisting that she knew his family, although Sammy had never seen her before in his life. The woman’s questioning started to make him feel uncomfortable.

Now, having closed in, she tried her best to lure him into going someplace with her with the promises of gifts, treats, and “anything he wanted” at Wawa, a local convenience store that sells shakes, sandwiches and other treats.

She was trying to get him to follow her, promising gifts and treats, making Sammy feel uncomfortable. In an attempt to lose her, the boy walked into a local gift shop

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

“She was like, ‘I’m going to Wawa, are you going there? What are you getting from Wawa? Where’s your family at?'” Sammy told CBS. Spoiler alert—if anyone you don’t know is asking you to follow them so that they can give you gifts, it’s most likely not a good idea.

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It wasn’t looking good. She was persistent, and didn’t get the hint that the boy wanted nothing to do with her. In an attempt to rid himself of the stranger, Sammy suddenly went inside Dani Bee Funky, an unconventional gift shop, where he went straight to 17-year-old Hannah who was working the register.

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

“He was like, ‘Pretend like you’re my mom,'” Hannah told CBS, “and I was just like, ‘all right, go to the back.’ He didn’t want to leave my side.” Security footage showed Hannah calmly walking up to the store’s front door and locking it, making the woman finally walk away.

The shop’s owner has nothing but praise for Hannah’s calm way of handling the potentially dangerous situation. “I am very proud of her. Hannah is a 17-year-old young lady. She did everything correctly,” she said.

Sammy was left shaken up by the whole ordeal, but it seemed that the situation hit Sammy’s dad the hardest. “When we were watching that video, I cried every time I saw it,” he said. “To see my child looking for help because he was afraid basically for his life, that cuts you deep.”

Sammy went straight to Dani Bee Funky’s clerk, asking 17-year-old Hannah to pretend to be his mom, whilst the strange woman watched them through the store door

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Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

Although it was tough, he couldn’t help the pride that came over him as well, as his son remembered everything he’d been taught about situations like this.

Preventing a tragedy comes with preparing for it. Although this may have been just a confused woman, there have been far too many times where there were disturbing plots in motion of those approaching children. “Think of every scenario and make sure that children know and also practice it,” he reminded parents. “Practice your situations and scenarios just like fire drills.”

For the time being, Sammy is going to have a family friend walk him to and from school, just to be safe. The Pottstown Police have since tracked down the woman. She’s being referred for mental health help.

Security footage showed Hannah calmly walking up to the door, closing and locking it, which finally made the woman back off and walk away

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

There have been a lot of tips and tricks shared on the internet to help identify whether you’re being followed and what to do in those kinds of situations. If, for whatever reason, you’re feeling unsafe, the first order of business is not to panic.

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As advised by Ackerman Security, one should stay alert in situations where one could be questioning their safety. So take off your headphones so you can hear anyone approaching you, and look up from the ground so you can observe your surroundings more clearly.

“Looking up doesn’t only let you see what’s around you,” said Brittany W. of Ackerman Security. “It also makes you look more confident and less scared, which can make you less of a target for a thief who might be following you.”

The moment left Sammy’s dad, Sam Green, proud of his son’s quick thinking, yet the potential harm that could have come to his boy drove him to tears

Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

Next, make sure to make random pit stops for varying amounts of time. Maybe even walking in a circle or driving in a square pattern. “Turn right, then turn right at the next intersection, then turn right again two more times, so that you are walking or driving in a square,” said Sara Thomas from Ackerman Security. “If your follower makes the same pattern, you can feel pretty certain that it’s no coincidence.”

If the person continues to walk into places you’re entering, note everything you can about them so that you can best describe them to family, friends, and police. Keep your phone handy, just in case you need to call police and maybe even send your GPS location to friends and family, so that you’re not alone.

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“Think of every scenario and make sure that children know and practice it,” he told parents. Sammy will be escorted to and from school by a friend for the time being

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Image credits: 6abc Philadelphia

One last thing—don’t be afraid to make a scene or be an inconvenience. We tend to care about the most insignificant things when our lives are potentially in danger, and, surprisingly enough, there’s more than enough people around that are willing to help if you just ask, as Sammy did.

We wish Sammy, his family, and Hannah all the best for the future and hope that they don’t come across any more shady strangers. To experience something like this once is far too much, and we hope that you, dear Pandas, don’t find yourself starring in a true crime scenario!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and I shall bid you Goodbye!

People had nothing but praise for the boy, sharing their own stories and experiences. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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ryanxlanford avatar
Ryan Lanford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remove the child's name from the article. Remove his home town. Just leave the state. You're literally inviting the entire world to stalk his route to/from school by listing nearby stores. Also no one cares about your favorite genre. This is a poorly written article. Just the facts. Give us the facts.

fenerbahche avatar
Nasren Jak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. You don't put full name, face, shop names and hometown of a 10 yo child in a story like this, especially in a small town with around 20k population. This is poor journalism.

Load More Replies...
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine got followed by a guy when she was walking home from school. He was in a car and tried to get her to come over to the vehicle. She stood on the side of the street and screamed at the top of her lungs "No I will not get in your car! Leave me alone!" The guy sped off as soon as he saw neighbors peeking out the window.

negatoriswrecks avatar
Negatoris Wrecks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://fightchildabuse.org/ this has been a great resource for talking to my kids and nephlings about safety

pandoraxvii avatar
ianbtaggart avatar
Anonymous
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's something I love about seeing children outsmart the bad guys. That's why I like the Home Alone movies.

katmin avatar
Kat Min
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have this very dark wish that everybody who preys on children would just suddenly drop dead. We'd end up with a lot of dead bodies in the world but I still think, we'd be better off in general.

neonirezumi avatar
gie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've taken trips with my nephews and nieces to busy places like train stations and malls and teach them if they are lost, not to panic, go to the nearest store or restaurant, go right to the cashier, and say the following loudly, "I am lost, please help me, my mom's number is xxx-xxx-xxxx". Never with anyone in uniform, just a store or restaurant.

missal_warrior_0c avatar
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently visited NYC with my family. My parents gave me and my baby brother a lot of safety rules, mostly common sense ones like don’t go with strangers, don't keep a drink you’ve let out of your sight, but one that my mom really stressed was of a younger woman, or really anyone, comes up and pretends to know you, play along because they’re probably being followed.

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell my kids that if someone is following them, ask a mom with kids for help. But if someone grabs them, no holds barred; kick, hit, bite, throw sand, anything to get away. Unless they have a weapon, then talk. Tell them about your day, your classes, what you want to be when you grow up, anything to make them see you as a person rather than a victim.

ellajmoffat-1 avatar
tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They really shouldn't have published this amount of personal info, but good on that kid and the clerk

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell my kids that if someone is following them, go up to a mom with kids for help or a shop keeper. If someone gets a grabs them, no holds barred, do everything in your power to get away, hit, bite, throw sand, whatever. Unless they have a weapon. If they have a knife or a gun then talk. Tell them about your classes, about you hobbies about what you want to be when you grow up, make them see you as a person rather than a object or a victim.

rayarani avatar
Ray Arani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my neighborhood in the 90s this sort of thing was weirdly frequent. Creepy men usually, driving around talking to kids. Sometimes flashing us. Some of us who played outside the most had monikers for them. The camera man was the worst. He'd lurk and take pictures with a disposable camera, always of kids. He chased me into the woods once. I don't remember what happened, I blocked it all out, might have just been fear or maybe something else. I'll probably never know. I do remember that sound of the camera winding between pictures though. Still can't stand that sound, thankfully disposable cameras mostly died out not long after that. I had been just getting into photography at the time that happened, but I couldn't stomach it anymore after that. :/ Mostly because of the sound.

bianaw avatar
Biana Weatherford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People insist on thinking that childhood is about innocence. But it's about educating the innocent. They don't know not to grab hot things or not to stick forks in the electrical sockets or not to go with strangers. Not until we teach them. No need to scare them, make it fun if you can. I told my kids if they got lost or separated, to find a mother with children. Then we would count the moms we found at a particular store. For example.

ryanxlanford avatar
Ryan Lanford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remove the child's name from the article. Remove his home town. Just leave the state. You're literally inviting the entire world to stalk his route to/from school by listing nearby stores. Also no one cares about your favorite genre. This is a poorly written article. Just the facts. Give us the facts.

fenerbahche avatar
Nasren Jak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. You don't put full name, face, shop names and hometown of a 10 yo child in a story like this, especially in a small town with around 20k population. This is poor journalism.

Load More Replies...
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine got followed by a guy when she was walking home from school. He was in a car and tried to get her to come over to the vehicle. She stood on the side of the street and screamed at the top of her lungs "No I will not get in your car! Leave me alone!" The guy sped off as soon as he saw neighbors peeking out the window.

negatoriswrecks avatar
Negatoris Wrecks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://fightchildabuse.org/ this has been a great resource for talking to my kids and nephlings about safety

pandoraxvii avatar
ianbtaggart avatar
Anonymous
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's something I love about seeing children outsmart the bad guys. That's why I like the Home Alone movies.

katmin avatar
Kat Min
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have this very dark wish that everybody who preys on children would just suddenly drop dead. We'd end up with a lot of dead bodies in the world but I still think, we'd be better off in general.

neonirezumi avatar
gie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've taken trips with my nephews and nieces to busy places like train stations and malls and teach them if they are lost, not to panic, go to the nearest store or restaurant, go right to the cashier, and say the following loudly, "I am lost, please help me, my mom's number is xxx-xxx-xxxx". Never with anyone in uniform, just a store or restaurant.

missal_warrior_0c avatar
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently visited NYC with my family. My parents gave me and my baby brother a lot of safety rules, mostly common sense ones like don’t go with strangers, don't keep a drink you’ve let out of your sight, but one that my mom really stressed was of a younger woman, or really anyone, comes up and pretends to know you, play along because they’re probably being followed.

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell my kids that if someone is following them, ask a mom with kids for help. But if someone grabs them, no holds barred; kick, hit, bite, throw sand, anything to get away. Unless they have a weapon, then talk. Tell them about your day, your classes, what you want to be when you grow up, anything to make them see you as a person rather than a victim.

ellajmoffat-1 avatar
tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They really shouldn't have published this amount of personal info, but good on that kid and the clerk

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell my kids that if someone is following them, go up to a mom with kids for help or a shop keeper. If someone gets a grabs them, no holds barred, do everything in your power to get away, hit, bite, throw sand, whatever. Unless they have a weapon. If they have a knife or a gun then talk. Tell them about your classes, about you hobbies about what you want to be when you grow up, make them see you as a person rather than a object or a victim.

rayarani avatar
Ray Arani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my neighborhood in the 90s this sort of thing was weirdly frequent. Creepy men usually, driving around talking to kids. Sometimes flashing us. Some of us who played outside the most had monikers for them. The camera man was the worst. He'd lurk and take pictures with a disposable camera, always of kids. He chased me into the woods once. I don't remember what happened, I blocked it all out, might have just been fear or maybe something else. I'll probably never know. I do remember that sound of the camera winding between pictures though. Still can't stand that sound, thankfully disposable cameras mostly died out not long after that. I had been just getting into photography at the time that happened, but I couldn't stomach it anymore after that. :/ Mostly because of the sound.

bianaw avatar
Biana Weatherford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People insist on thinking that childhood is about innocence. But it's about educating the innocent. They don't know not to grab hot things or not to stick forks in the electrical sockets or not to go with strangers. Not until we teach them. No need to scare them, make it fun if you can. I told my kids if they got lost or separated, to find a mother with children. Then we would count the moms we found at a particular store. For example.

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