Man tells girl, 12, to 'get in the car' in attempted luring, cops say

SCOTCH PLAINS — An unknown man allegedly attempted to lure a 12-year-old girl as she was walking along Park Avenue Monday morning, police said.

According to a statement from the Fanwood Police Department, the incident occurred at about 7:35 a.m. on Park Avenue, in Scotch Plains, which borders Fanwood. Police say a vehicle, believed to be a Cadillac Katera, pulled up alongside the girl. The driver, described as an Hispanic or Asian man about 50 or 60 years old, told the girl to "get in the car."

The girl fled and police were notified. During the course of an investigation, police determined that the vehicle had a Pennsylvania license plate. Police say they were also able to obtain video surveillance footage showing the suspect's vehicle.

According to police, officers will maintain an increased police presence around all schools in the area as they continue to search for the suspect.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Scotch Plains Captain Pail Belford at 908-322-711, Ext. 111.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

Man tells girl, 12, to ‘get in the car’ in attempted luring, cops say