Police are warning the public after a man reportedly tried luring a 12-year-old girl into his car in a Highland Park neighborhood on Tuesday.
The Highland Park Police Department said that the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Tuesday near Braeside Road and Lakeside Place.
Highland Park Deputy Police Chief William Bonaguidi said that an unidentified man driving a silver Nissan Murano approached a 12-year-old girl who was walking in the area.
The man asked the girl if she wanted to go to Sheridan Road with him. She responded no and he drove away, Bonaguidi said.
The driver was described as a 30-50-year-old male, heavyset, dark hair, with a medium complexion.
Police officers immediately began an investigation after responding and continue to search for the suspect.
“Please take this opportunity to discuss with your children the precautions they should take while away from home. Concentrate on the message of stranger awareness,” Bonaguidi said.
Police recommend parents remind their children of the following: Don’t talk to strangers who try to talk to you on the way home, never walk up to the car of a stranger and never go anywhere with a stranger, and walk with a friend or group of students.
“If the stranger continues to try and talk to you or stops the vehicle, run home or run to the nearest public place and immediately tell an adult what has happened,” police said, adding, “Try to remember as much as you can about the stranger and the vehicle.”
Anyone with information about the incident or a similar incident is asked to contact the Highland Park Police Department at 847-432-7730.