On June 19th, 2024, at approximately 8:25 pm, units were dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue on a report of a suspect attempting to lure a child.
The victim stated she was walking home when a motorbike approached her, and the driver asked her what her name was, she answered and said Anna (fake name) and started running. He approached her again and asked her how old she was, and she responded "14" and continued running. The man approached her a third time and asked her if she wanted to hop on the back of the motorbike for a ride. The victim stated she kept running and ignored the man on the motorbike and at this time he drove down Frank E Rodgers Blvd South as she entered her residence.
The actions of the victim were very well thought out and courageous.
At the time of the police response, the suspect had fled the area. Ring Camera footage of the incident was turned over to the police. Units also reviewed the Town of Harrison Camera system and were able to track the suspect around down. From this footage, it appeared that the suspect was employed by a food-delivery service.
The Harrison PD Detective Bureau followed up with the case collecting video footage and actively attempting to locate the suspect based off of the video footage. A TRAX Bulletin was distributed to local law enforcement agencies. On the evening of June 20, 2024, the Harrison PD Detective Bureau executed a detail in an attempt to locate the suspect and successfully apprehended the suspect in the area of Passaic Avenue and Central Avenue.
The suspect was charged accordingly.
Safety of the residents of Harrison is paramount for the Harrison Police Department. If you feel you are being followed, please call 911 ASAP. Other steps that could be taken if calling 911 is not feasible are entering a populated area and advising you need assistance, entering an establishment such as a restaurant or store, and in extreme situations yelling for help and running in the opposite direction of the suspect. It is also recommended to always be aware of your surroundings and make all attempts to be accompanied by a friend or family member.
