Attempted Luring Of Girl, 11, Under Investigation In Chatham Borough

CHATHAM, N.J. – Borough police are investigating what they believe was an attempted luring of an 11-year-old girl Tuesday night.

Chatham Borough Police sent out an alert Tuesday night saying an “attempted lure” of the girl took place around 7:30 p.m. on Meadowbrook Road.

The police statement read:

"This evening at 7:30 p.m. on Meadowbrook Road, a tan-colored sedan, approximately 10 years old, driven by a white male, 40 to 50 years old, with dark, curly hair stopped and spoke with an 11-year-old girl. He made multiple references to a teddy bear in what is believed to be an attempted lure.

When the girl backed away, the vehicle left the scene, traveling north on Somerset Avenue toward Essex Road. An adult in the area did observe the vehicle stop and speak with the child, but did not hear what was said."

Police also said the girl was playing with her friend, age 9, at the time of the incident. A nearby homeowner reported that while cutting his lawn at approximately 7 p.m., he found a teddy bear on his front lawn. He moved it to the edge of his property but when he was done cutting the bear was gone, police said.

Police are currently investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 973-635-8000.