Update: Saturday, 1:45 p.m.
Auburn Hills Police have released this statement:
The Auburn Hills Police Department first became aware of this possible “stranger danger” incident yesterday by the news media. We have fully investigated the incident that took place in the children’s play area of the Great Lakes Crossing Mall. The video shows what appears to be a grandfather and grandmother in the play area with their toddler granddaughter. The grandfather is seen taking photographs of his granddaughter with his disposable camera. He is not seen taking photographs of any other children. We have reached out and spoken with Mrs. Thomas regarding our findings and she is relieved that her children were not in any harm or danger. The incident is a misunderstanding and none of the children in the play area were in any danger. The Auburn Hills Police and Great Lakes Crossing Mall Security work close every day and take allegations such as these very serious and will investigate them fully. If you see any suspicious behavior we encourage you to contact the Great Lakes Crossing Mall Security and/or the Auburn Hills Police Department immediately.
Original story
As a concerned mother, Tamera Thomas is sounding the alarm, confused and upset at what she claims happened Friday afternoon.
Thomas took her four-year-old and six-year-old daughters to Great Lakes Crossing to enjoy the play area. But an afternoon of fun for her changed to anger.
Thomas says, "I feel like I have to be a voice, not only for my kids, but for all the other kids and parents out there."
What stood out to her was a man and his disposable camera.
In her words,"who has one of those these days."
She claims he was taking photos of kids, at first thinking they were his own - until her four-year-old came back to her with money - a handful of change given to her by a stranger.
She tells us her daughter claims the man also took her photo.
She immediately called for mall security and they took a report.
Frazzled, she left and called police once got home. At last check, she was going to Auburn Hills Police either Friday night or early Saturday to fill out a police report.
