Salem police are asking residents who have seen or shared social media posts about a man in a white Toyota Corolla approaching women and girls to file formal reports with the department, warning that tips shared only online never reach investigators.

The appeal, according to KPTV as reported by Patch on July 28, comes as the department confirmed that some incidents circulating on social media have never been officially reported. Without formal reports, detectives cannot build a case or pursue charges.

As we reported Monday, July 27, the investigation began after a man driving a white Toyota Corolla asked a woman to get into his car near Center Street and 25th Street NE on Sunday, July 26, just after 11:30 a.m. Other similar encounters had already surfaced online before that incident, including video showing girls being approached.

What police have done so far

Officers have made contact with the male driver, according to the Salem Police Department. No charges have been filed. The investigation remains ongoing, and police said they are still reviewing the July 26 incident along with other related reports.

No spokesperson has been publicly identified for the case.

Why formal reports matter

A social media post, no matter how widely shared, does not function as a police report. Salem police said the department cannot act on information that exists only in comment threads or shared videos. Each person who witnessed or experienced an encounter needs to contact the department directly so investigators can document the incident and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

How to report

Anyone who has been approached, witnessed an encounter, or has video or information related to these incidents should call the Salem Police Department's non-emergency line at 503-588-6123.

Police have not announced a timeline for the investigation or any upcoming press briefings on the case.