A man tried to lure two children into his rusty van Monday evening as the kids walked near Clarendon Park in Uptown, according to a newly-released community alert from Area North detectives.
Police said the man rolled up next to a 10-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy on the 4400 block of North Clarendon around 4:35 p.m. He engaged the children in a conversation and tried to lure them into his vehicle, according to the alert.
The boy and girl refused to engage the man and they ran away, police said.
Police described the offender as a bald white man in his 50’s who drove a rusty white van that has windows on the side.
Detectives encouraged area residents to tell their neighbors about the incident and to call 911 to report suspicious people and vehicles. Parents should also identify safe havens along their children’s route to school, police advised.
Anyone with information about the offender can contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8261 regarding case JD-131439.
CPD also offers assistance with forming “Parent Patrols” and “Walking School Bus Programs,” according to the alert. Interested parties can contact the CAPS Implementation Office at 312-747-9987 for more information.
