Child luring investigation leaves parents frustrated with school district response time
SCHENECTADY, NY (WRGB) — CBS 6 is fighting for answers after police say a man tried not once, but twice, to lure a student into his vehicle.
Some parents blasted the district on social media, wondering why they didn't find out about this sooner.
Police say Friday morning around 8:45, a student was approached twice near the corner of Bradt Street and Broadway. On the second attempt, he allegedly offered the student a ride.
A statement posted by the district Saturday says police were notified right away and the district's Community Engagement Officers (CEO's) investigated.
Commenters on the district's Facebook page said parents should've been told they day it happened, since some kids walk home alone.
We took those concerns to the district.
After several attempts, we finally spoke with their Climate and Safety Director, Jeffrey Russo. He says they waited for police to give them the green light to put the information out:
Because during a police investigation they may not want us to share something that might tip the person off that we're looking for them - we just have to trust that they're doing their job with the information we provide them - what I would say to parents is I appreciate the concerns and I recognize the concerns, but we are following the policy that is set to try and keep everybody safe," Russo tells CBS 6.
Russo says parents can be assured during the day Friday, police were investigating and had more cars in the area of the alleged encounter. He also says the district doesn't plan on doing anything differently, since their response was exactly how it should've been in a situation like this.
We've made several attempts to contact police about this but haven't heard back yet.
We do know from officials that the suspect is described as a bald man in his mid-40's, with a large build and medium complexion in a gray Toyota DJ Cruiser. Police confirmed the license plate on surveillance, but haven't found him or the vehicle yet.
Police say no crime has been committed.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Schenectady Police Youth Aid Bureau at (518) 382-5256.
Crisis in the Classroom is a weekly segment in which CBS 6 investigates issues faced by educators, students, and families. Send any tips to our team by emailing or by calling (518) 288-6034.
