RUSHVILLE, Mo. — The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department is warning citizens in and around Rushville of a suspect considered dangerous to children.

Sgt. Tiger Parsons said at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, a man in a small dark blue pickup attempted to coax a group of children into his vehicle with a bag full of candy.

“The children were pretty sharp and didn’t fall for it. He exited his vehicle and attempted to grab a little girl and drag her to the truck. But they all ran off and got to a nearby business where they were safe,” Mr. Parsons said.

The suspect is described as older white male presumed to be 50 to 60 years old with blond hair that is balding on the top of his head and a blonde mustache. He was wearing large framed glasses and a gray shirt and had crooked teeth. His truck is described as having a camper shell, rust on the passenger’s side door and no rear license plate.

The suspect was last seen at U.S. Highway 59 and Missouri Highway 116 near Rushville. It was unknown what direction he was traveling.

Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at (816) 271-4777.