Police in Virginia are investigating after a man dressed in a pink panther-style costume allegedly chased a group of children getting off a school bus and tried to grab a young girl in broad daylight.

The incident happened around 4:30 pm on May 14 in Fredericksburg, according to witness accounts shared online and statements from local authorities. Residents say the suspect was seen following several children as they walked away from the bus stop along a grassy roadside.

One local resident described the encounter in a Facebook post that quickly spread across social media. “This man stared down my son and one of the older neighbours from across the road. That’s when this picture was snapped,” the resident wrote.

The witness claimed the suspect chased four children after they exited the bus and allegedly targeted the slowest child in the group. “When scarlet and a little neighbour girl got off the bus, he chased after all 4 kids and tried to grab the little girl (slowest). Her sister pulled her away, and they got away,” she said, according to the New York Post.

The resident added, “A car drove by them, and he turned and ran away.” Another witness reportedly said they saw what happened but could not stop their vehicle in time to intervene. Photos and video circulating online appear to show the suspect wearing a bright pink costume resembling the Pink Panther character, along with cowboy boots, a red-and-black plaid shirt, and a small bag hanging from his neck. Some residents pointed out the boots could make the suspect easier to identify if the costume is discarded later.

The Fredericksburg Police Department confirmed it received reports involving a suspicious person allegedly “following children.”

“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately,” the department said in a statement.