Nassau County police are warning the public about a suspicious man who tried to lure children into his truck five times over the past four weeks, twice by offering them candy.
The children were all between the ages of eight and 16, three of whom were walking either to or from school at the time. Investigators described the suspect as a black man, 20 to 30 years old, driving either a van or an SUV that may have a dented right read door and tinted windows, authorities said.
“If a stranger stops their car and asks the child questions, run the opposite direction and tell authorities,” police said in an advisory. “Always walk in groups and stay close to the curb, away from shrubbery and doorways. Do not take shortcuts through alleys, vacant lots or parks.”
Police said the confrontations occurred at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 on Melvin Avenue Lakeview, at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 22 at the corner of Woodfield Road and Janos Lane Lakeview, at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, April 23 on Lakeview Avenue in Lynbrook, at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the corner of Grove Street and Jamaica Avenue in Valley Stream and at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7 at the corner of Orlando Avenue and Champlain Avenue in Lakeview.
Detectives ask anyone who spots the suspect to call 911 and anyone with information regarding any of these incidents to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
