SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced on Nov. 29 that detectives apprehended a suspect involved in an attempted child luring that took place on Nov. 27.
Police were called at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 27 to a cul-de-sac off Davidson Mill Road for a report a man in a white van attempting to lure a child. The juvenile told officers she had gotten off her school bus and observed a white construction van drive past her leading out of the cul-de-sac, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
She told police she then observed the van turn around and begin to follow her from behind. The van then reportedly pulled next to her and the driver asked her about becoming his best friend, according to reports. The girl ran to a home and the driver turned around in a driveway and drove away, police said.
A canvass and interviews were conducted of area homes. Detectives determined that a white construction van had been doing work in the area, which was registered to Samuels Construction out of Hamilton. Detective Monica Posteraro and Detective Brady Shelcusky were able to positively identify the van driver as a 34-year-old man from Trenton who had an outstanding traffic warrant out of Jamesburg.
The man was taken into custody on the warrant at 4 p.m. Nov. 28 at South Brunswick Police Headquarters. The investigation determined that he had allegedly watched the student get off a bus and knew she was a juvenile when he began to follow her in his van. He attempted to lure her into providing information so that he could locate her later, police said.
The man was charged with attempted luring of a child. He was released on a summons pending his first court appearance on Jan. 3.
“Few incidents raise as much concern as someone trying to lure a child. Within the first hour officers and detectives had identified a potential suspect. Just over 24 hours after the incident detectives had the suspect in custody. This case came together because of a brave juvenile and great police work,” said Hayducka, who also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office for their assistance in the case.
Anyone with information on any similar encounters should call Posteraro at 732-329-4000, ext. 7496.