UPDATED: RI Women Warn of Couple Wanting to “Look After Their Children” at Local Walmarts

UPDATED: RI Women Warn of Couple Wanting to “Look After Their Children” at Local Walmarts

Two Rhode Island mothers are saying that a couple “offered to look after their children” at area Walmarts — and the women went online to share their stories. 

On Saturday, East Providence resident Chelsea Cain said that her mother encountered a couple at the Seekonk Walmart Friday morning, while looking after her six-month-old son. 

“[My son] was with his Nana at Walmart in Seekonk. They were followed through the store and then approached by the same two people, a man and a woman. They asked if she wanted them to ‘watch the baby for her while she continued to shop’ and told her they go from store to store offering these services to help parents out,” wrote Cain.

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“I am lucky that his Nana is so attentive and aware of her surroundings. Please do not take an eye off your children," she added. "We live in a sick, sick world.”

Last Wednesday, Scituate resident Elisha Barroso said she was approached by a couple at the Coventry Walmart around 5 p.m. — with a similar story. 

“An older woman and gentleman, while I was getting out of the car and putting my baby in the stroller, asked me if I wanted to leave [my kids] with them in the car so they could watch them while I shop,” said Barroso. “I said no, I’m good, thank you. She kept asking me are you sure, we have grandchildren, we know how hard it is for moms to go shopping with two kids.”

“Again, I said no, I’m good, I don’t know you, my children don’t know you. I’m fine. They never leave my side — not even for a second," she said. 

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Cain told GoLocal her mother informed her of what happened when she brought her son home. 

“My son’s six months old, and my mom’s on the smaller side,” said Cain. “Who knows what could have happened.”

Cain said she contacted Seekonk police over the weekend, and was told she would have to file a report in person. 

“I’ve gotten some feedback about this, like Walmart probably couldn’t do anything, as they weren’t actually threatened,” said Cain. “I just want people to know about this.”

Barroso said it “all happened quick,” and that she “just wanted to get away.”

“I remember the older gentleman was on an electric cart and the woman was walking,” said Barroso, who said she was “little heavy set with short hair.”

Barroso said the cut was shorter in the back, and close to chin length in the front. 

Coventry Walmart management told GoLocal they were unware of the alleged incident; Seekonk did not respond to press inquiry on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, Walmart corporate media relations provided the following statement. 

“While we are unable to verify the veracity of these accounts, we do take such matters seriously, often reviewing footage and assisting local law enforcement when and where appropriate. The safety of our customers and associates is a top priority and we encourage those with any questions or concerns to promptly address them with a member of management.”

Updated Tuesday 6:41 AM