Watch CBS News

Philadelphia Police Investigating Reports Of Attempted Luring

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Police are investigating reports of attempted luring in Philadelphia that they believe may be connected due to the similarities in suspect description and the location of the offenses.

Each of the incidents involved girls walking home from Harding Junior High School between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The first incident occurred Monday, November 5th at about 5:30 p.m. near Torresdale Avenue and Van Kirk Street. Authorities say a man described as white, between the ages of 40 and 50 years old, with a white beard, tried to grab a 13-year-old girl by her shirt near an alleyway.

On November 8th, at about 3:30 p.m. , police say in the 2000 block of Wakeling Street, a 45-year-old black or Hispanic male asked a 13-year-old girl if she wanted to walk his dog. The girl refused and the suspect reportedly shoved the leash into her hand, according to police. The suspect and the girl walked down the block where he then took the leash back and walked off. He is about 6 feet 2 inches, and 240 lbs, and has a light beard and black or gray hair. He was wearing a tan coat, blue jeans and black boots.

On November 13th, at about 3:15 p.m., police say a Hispanic man between the ages of 45 and 50 walked behind a 12-year-old girl near Harbinson Avenue and Ditman Street and said, "Come here" to her. The girl ran away. Police say the man was wearing a gray shirt and black pants and is about 6 feet tall and 200 lbs.

At about 3:15 p.m. on November 15th, a man described as a black male between the ages of 35 and 40, walked behind a 11-year-old girl near Sanger and Ditman streets and started mumbling incoherently, according to police. The girl ran home.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3252.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.