EDISON — Police and school officials are cautioning parents and guardians after three attempted luring incidents were reported in the area of West First Street and Ellis Parkway near Lindquist Park over the past month.
Superintendent of Schools Richard O’Malley released a letter Oct. 31, detailing the incidents and asking parents and guardians to advise their children to be “extremely cautious of strangers when coming to and leaving from school.”
One incident occurred earlier in the month, and two others were reported to police a day apart from each other.
On Oct. 5 around 3:30 p.m., a white pickup truck driven by an unknown white male pulled up near two boys. The driver allegedly asked, “Are you alone?” and then drove away. The male was described as in his 60s, with a ruddy complexion, no facial hair and wearing a baseball cap.
On Oct. 23 around 3:50 p.m., an unknown white male driving a gray passenger van with windows reportedly asked two boys riding their scooters on West First Street where their houses were before driving away. The male was described to be in his 60s, with a long gray beard and wearing a baseball cap.
The next day around 7:45 a.m., a lightblue work van with a roof rack and described as having a poor paint job was parked near a bus stop for James Madison Primary School students near Ellis Parkway and West Locust Avenue. When approached by a parent, the driver allegedly sped off toward Featherbed Lane and then to Inman Avenue.
All three incidents are under investigation by the Edison Police Department. The department has added patrols in the area.
Police said it is not known whether the incidents are connected. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Edison Police Juvenile Bureau at 732-248-7435.