Attempted Lurings of Junior High Kids in Frankford

Cops warn of 4 attempted lurings that targeted kids walking home from the same middle school

Philadelphia Police put parents, teachers and students at Harding Junior High School on alert after a pattern of attempted lurings of students walking home from school.

The attempted lurings happened from Nov. 5 to this past Thursday in the Frankford section of the city. Police say the similarity of either description; M.O. and/or location have them on alert.

A school district spokesman said the school alerted parents of the pattern after the latest incident but that they didn't know of the total amount of alleged incidents.

Here is a rundown from police of the four incidents:

Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.: Torresdale Avenue and Van Kirk Street – A white man between 40 to 50years old with a white beard who was wearing blue jean, a blue jacket and white sneakers jumped out from an alley and grabbed the shirt of a 13-year-old boy.

Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m.: 2000 block Wakeling Street – A 6-foot-2, 240-pound Hispanic man, 45 years old, with a light beard and black/gray hair who was wearing a tan coat, blue jeans and black boots approached a 13-year-old boy to ask if the boy wanted to walk his dog. Police say that after the victim refused the suspect shoved the leash into his hands anyway. Eventually the suspect grabbed the leash back and walked off.

Nov. 13 at 3:15 p.m.:  Harbison Avenue and Ditman Street - A 6-foot, 200-pound Hispanic man, 45 to 50 years old, with a beard and black/gray hair who was wearing a gray shirt and black pants walked up behind a 12-year-old girl and told her to “come here.” Police say the girl ran off to a friend’s house and the suspect walked away.

Nov. 15 at 3:15 p.m.: Sanger and Ditmans Streets – A 6-foot, 200-pound black man, 35 to 40 years old, with a beard who was wearing a blue coat and black/white sneakers mumbled incoherently while walking up behind an 11-year-old boy.

The incidents have parents of kids in the area on alert.

"I guess I'm gonna have to make sure that either I pick her up or her sister picks her up now," said parent Debbie Rios.

Anyone who may know something about these incidents is asked to call Philadelphia Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3252/53/54.

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