"Parents should always use caution if they have children playing outside, but we're asking them to take extra care right now," Deputy James Switzer told The Brazil Times.

Shortly before 3 p.m., Tuesday, Switzer responded to a report of possible child abduction at a Harmony residence.

According to a press release provided by Switzer, a 4-year-old child was playing outside when a 20-30-year-old man driving a white Ford Explorer, stopped in front of the residence.

The white male suspect, who is reported to have a medium to dark complexion, asked several questions, including the whereabouts of the child's "mommy." The suspect then asked the child to get in the vehicle so he could take the child to their mother.

When an adult inside the residence overheard the conversation and approached the door, they observed the white Ford Explorer. When the suspect saw another adult at the home, he drove off.

Witnesses were not able to provide any further information about the suspect or the vehicle.

"Anyone who saw this vehicle or might see this vehicle needs to call their local police department with the information," Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton said. "It would be great if we could get the license plate of the vehicle, but no one should put themselves in harm's way to do it. We don't know the intentions of this suspect."

The sheriff's department and the Brazil City Police Department are actively investigating the case, but Heaton encourages parents to take this opportunity to talk to their children, no matter what their age, about stranger danger.

"It might be difficult, but it is vital that parents talk to their children about what to do if a stranger approaches them. There is information is available at the Clay County Justice Center for parents who need help in talking to their children," Heaton said. "Children of all ages are outside during the summer months playing and enjoying the weather, and an adult should be present at all times for safety. In a split second, in a minute, lives can change drastically. No one wants that to happen."

To report information any time of the day about this case, or any other, contact the Clay County Sheriff's Department at 446-2535 or the Brazil City Police Department at 446-2211.