Cops Investigating Two Attempted Luring Incidents Near GW Middle School

The Ridgewood Police Department is investigating two separate reports of recent attempts by adult men to lure female students in the area of George Washington Middle School, police said in a public safety alert Saturday.

Around 3:15 Friday afternoon, witnesses saw a man described as being in his 50s or 60s, 6’2” and heavyset with grey hair grab a female student walking along North Monroe Street, according to police. He was wearing jeans, a stained grey or green shirt and dark sunglasses.

The girl broke free and sought help, police said.

A week before, on Oct. 25 around 5 p.m., two students reported being approached by an older man, 60-70 years of age, who stopped his car next to them on Godwin Avenue near Garfield Place and apparently attempted to lure them into the car. The girls “became scared and took off running through a yard,” police said.

The vehicle was described as an older model four-door blue sedan with rust on the outside and black tape on the seats. The two girls described the man to police as having “thick gold glasses with large frames, a short scruffy beard, and balding grey hair.”

Police said there is currently no evidence connecting the two incidents, which are being investigated by village detectives, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and surrounding police agencies.

Cops said patrols in the area will be increased, but police are asking parents to be “extra vigilant,” and report any suspicious adults near school buildings to authorities. Parents are also urged to review safety practices with children who walk to school.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call Ridgewood Police detectives Peter Youngberg or Forest Lyons at 201-251-4537 or 201-670-5500 ext. 412.