UPDATED: Man Tries to Lure 12-Year-Old Into Car Near Bus Stop: Police

BETHEL, CT — Update, 8:58 p.m. — Bethel Police Lt. Michael Libertini told Patch Thursday night that the attempted kidnapping of a 7th grader happened in the area of Woodlawn Drive. Libertini said police are not identifying the gender of the student at this time. Woodlawn Drive is located in the Chimney Heights section of Bethel. Click here for a map.

Original post, 8:09 p.m. —Bethel police are warning parents to be on the lookout for a man driving a dark-colored sedan after the attempted kidnapping of a student on their way home from school, police said. On Sept. 1, 2016 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Bethel Police responded to a report of a man trying to lure a 12-year-old juvenile into a car, Lt. Libertini said. The student said they were walking home from the bus stop at about 3:15 p.m. and was approached by the operator of a black 4-door sedan, police said.

The victim told police that the operator of the vehicle asked the juvenile if they needed a ride home but the student declined. The driver demanded that they get in the car and the student fled from the area, police said.

Lt. Libertini said the description provided to police was of an approximately 40-year-old white male, black hair that was slicked back, clean shaven, muscular build, with a deep voice. The vehicle was described as one similar to a black Ford Crown Victoria possibly bearing Connecticut plates. Lt. Libertini said the student was never physically contacted by the operator of the vehicle. The neighborhood of the incident was not reported to Patch.

Libertini said parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the dangers of getting in or near vehicles that are unknown to them.

"With most children now having their own cell phones, parents are asked to discuss the appropriate times to dial 911. Being approached by a stranger and being asked to enter a vehicle or otherwise leave with a stranger is cause to call 911. They will not be “in trouble” for calling 911 if a situation that is of concern to them turns out to be benign," he said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the vehicle and/or the operator is asked to contact the Bethel Police at (203) 744-7900.

Image via Google Earth