Chatham NJ Sex Crime LawyersChatham New Jersey police are searching for a man who may have attempted to lure an underage girl as she walked in her neighborhood.

According to authorities, the victim, an 11-year-old girl, was walking on Meadowbrook Road in Chatham Borough NJ when the suspect drove up beside. The suspect was reportedly operating a tan-colored sedan.

The victim later told law enforcement that the suspect repeatedly mentioned a teddy bear and encouraged the girl to enter the vehicle.

Instead of getting into the car, the victim backed away from the vehicle. The suspect responded by driving off and fleeing the area. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect driving along Somerset Avenue and headed in the direction of Essex Road in Chatham Borough, New Jersey.

An adult was nearby and saw the alleged luring incident unfold. He later dialed 911 and informed the Chatham Borough Police Department of the scary incident.

Chatham NJ investigators are looking into the allegations. They have yet to determine the identity of the suspect, who has been described as a while male in his 40s. He reportedly has dark curly hair.

If Chatham NJ law enforcement can identify and locate the suspect, he would potentially face criminal charges for luring. This felony-level offense carries severe penalties. That’s because N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6 classifies luring as a second degree crime. A conviction for second degree luring could result in a sentence of 5-10 years in NJ State Prison.

Chatham Borough NJ police are asking for the public’s assistance with their investigation. Any members of the public who have information about the suspect or the luring incident should call Chatham police investigators at 973-635-8000.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Cops Investigating Attempted Luring of 11-Year-Old Girl.”