Police say a man suspiciously approached children two separate times in Dutchess County.

They say the man approached the children in public and asked what police would only describe as "odd questions."

The incidents happened earlier this month in Red Hook and in Rhinebeck.

Both times, police say the person was described as older, short and having gray facial hair.

A witness told them the suspect was possibly driving a blue Chevy pickup truck.

Sgt. Patrick Hildenbrand, with the Red Hook Police Department, is urging parents to tell their children what to do when they come across a stranger.

They say don’t talk to strangers, don’t accept anything they offer, and to run to a store or yell.

Police say children should also not be afraid to call 911 on a cellphone.