Superintendent: Be On Alert for Child Lurer

A child lurer has been targeting young girls just a few miles from Ridgewood, and Superintendent Daniel Fishbein is asking parents and students to be on high alert.

According to Fishbein's message sent to parents Thursday afternoon, Old Tappan police reported an incident in which a man described as a tan Caucasian male or dark-skinned Hispanic male, in his late 30s or 40s with sunglasses, attempted to lure two eight-year-old girls into his car. The incident occurred at T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School last Friday, according to police. 

"It is important to emphasize that no similar incidents have been reported in Ridgewood at this time," Fishbein said in his letter. "However, as the safety of children is always the top priority of Ridgewood Public School officials, I am bringing this matter to your attention."

Old Tappan police said he was wearing a red shirt with white/gray horizontal stripes, and dark sunglasses. The individual is believed to be driving a dark-colored (possibly black) sedan with NJ license plates.

Anyone who believes they've seen the individual described by Old Tappan police should contact their school administrators and the Ridgewood Police Department at (201) 652-3900. Old Tappan police can be contacted at (201) 664-1221.

In December, a for allegedly luring a dozen young girls by offering $1,000 to expose themselves and perform sexual acts. Prosecutors said several of the incidents took place in Ridgewood and Glen Rock.