Police Investigate Child Luring Attempts At Wheeling Bus Stops

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — In response to recent child luring attempts reported by authorities in Wheeling, the Buffalo Grove Police Department said Thursday morning they're aware of a suspicious black car believed to be driving up to children waiting at school bus stops or getting off school buses after school. According to Buffalo Grove police, none of the incidents happened in Buffalo Grove, but patrols have increased around Buffalo Grove schools to help find the reported car said to be involved in an incident Tuesday afternoon, in addition to an incident on Feb. 3.

According to a news release, the Wheeling Police Department, the first incident took place during the early afternoon of Feb. 3, involving an 8-year-old student after they got off their school bus in the 500 block of Fairway View Drive. According to police, the child told trusted adults the driver was in a black sedan and tried to get the child into his car by telling a fabricated story. The child refused and ran home, according to police, adding that the student's school district was notified and an email was sent to all parents in the district.

Police are also investigating a second child luring attempt reported to have happened early Tuesday afternoon, involving an elementary school student after they got off their school bus on Lexington Drive near Deerpath Court. According to police, the child told trusted adults the driver was in a black sedan and tried to get the child into his car by telling a fabricated story. The child refused and ran home, according to police.

"As an additional reminder - the student is safe today because she ignored the subject's false statements and told trusted adults about the situation," Wheeling police said, in the release, and also asked adults to please talk with their children about safety surrounding before and after school hours, and make sure they know to never talk to or go up to a stranger.

Buffalo Grove police encourage parents and caretakers to stay with children as they wait for the bus, and greet them when they return after school.

Police ask homeowners with video recording systems set near school bus stops to check their footage for any instances that may match the described acts, and call 911. Police also ask you to call 911 immediately if you see a dark colored car being driven in a suspicious manner. Anyone with video or information regarding the incident is asked to please call the Wheeling Police Department at 847-459-2632.