Someone has been trying to snatch up young girls near Union County schools

ROSELLE — Officials are warning parents and communities in Union County about a series of attempted luring incidents in at least three cities.

The man, or men, behind the frightening attempts to grab girls as young as 10 have not been identified or caught.

State Police on Wednesday released a composite drawing of a man believed to be behind three such luring attempts in Roselle this week. Similar attempts have been reported by young girls in Kenilworth and Linden.

In Roselle, the girls ranging in age from 12 to 16 said they were approached by a man driving through neighborhoods near Abraham Clark High School and Leonard V. Moore Middle School. The incidents happened from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The man asked the girls if they wanted a ride, and in at least one case grabbed them, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office said. The girls escaped from the man’s clutches and ran away, authorities said.

In Linden, two 10-year-old girls reported being followed by a stranger in a car about 8 a.m. Tuesday near School No. 2 on South Wood Avenue.

Last week in Kenilworth, a 15-year-old girl said she was approached by a man about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near Monroe Avenue and North 16th Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call Union County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Timothy Durkin at 973-698-9529, Roselle Police Det. Carmen Olivera at 908-245-9200, Kenilworth Police Sgt. James Grady at 908-276-5001, or Linden Police Lt. Airan Fernandez at 908-474-8412.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.