Detectives from Philadelphia’s Special Victims Unit are investigating two recent attempts to lure children in the Northeast, one involving a 17-year-old girl and the other an 8-year-old boy.
The latest incident occurred on Dec. 7 on the 7200 block of Bustleton Ave. A 17-year-old girl was walking along the street at about noon when an unknown man sitting in a parked car called out to her and asked her for directions. As the victim approached the car, the man exposed his genitals and appeared to be masturbating. The girl fled and notified police. The man was described as white, in his 30s, with light brown hair, blue tinted sunglasses, a beanie-style hat and dark clothing. He may have identified himself as “Steve.” The car was described only as dark in color.
An earlier incident involving an 8-year-old boy was reported to police on Nov. 29, although the report was delayed, police said. It occurred on the 4500 block of Strahle St. at about 5 p.m. The victim was standing outside when an unknown man drove up to him in a blue minivan. The man offered cash to the boy and asked him to get into the vehicle. When the boy refused, the man drove away. The motorist was described as white, in his 70s, with dark hair, glasses and a baseball cap.
Call police at 215–686-TIPS or text to PPD TIP to report information about either case. ••
