Police in Camden NJ are searching for a man who allegedly tried to lure a young girl on a city street.
According to authorities, a 13-year-old girl was walking near the intersection of Dudley Street and High Street shortly after noon when a vehicle drove by. The girl told police that the driver of the vehicle slowed down and asked her to get inside.
When the driver asked the girl to get into the car, he was allegedly exposing himself and masturbating.
The victim quickly ran away from the vehicle and sought help. When the victim fled, the suspect bolted and drove in the opposite direction. He was reportedly headed east on High Street.
Camden NJ police later spoke with the victim, who provided them with a description of the suspect. According to the victim, the suspect is a black male with dark skin. He reportedly had short dark wavy hair and a beard. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a red short-sleeve vest with a white shirt underneath, as well as blue jeans. He also wore tan Timberland boots.
The victim was also able to give police a description of the vehicle. The suspect was reportedly driving a four-door, bronze Cadillac Deville. Police determined that the car was a mid-2000s model body style. It apparently had an emblem on the hood, as well as a car seat in the rear.
If police are eventually able to identify and apprehend the suspect, he could face significant penalties. That’s because N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6 classifies luring as a second degree felony. This means that the suspect could potentially be sentenced to 5–10 years in New Jersey State Prison if he is convicted.
The Camden County Police Department is actively investigating the alleged luring attempt. Anyone with information about the suspect, the vehicle, or the incident is asked to contact the police department’s anonymous tip line at 856-757-7042.
For further information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Child Luring Attempt of Girl, 13, Investigated by Camden Police.”
