Jefferson NJ police are searching for a man who was allegedly involved in a luring incident on a local street.

According to law enforcement, a 10-year-old boy was on his way home from school around 3:30 p.m. when a man drove by in a white minivan and pulled up alongside him. The suspect reportedly rolled down his window and began speaking with the boy. At one point, the suspect allegedly asked the boy if he wanted to go with him to look at some kittens.

When the boy ignored the suspect’s question, the suspect reportedly drove away and left the area in the minivan.

Sometime later, the boy’s parents notified local police. Jefferson NJ police officers began an investigation and subsequently searched the area for the minivan. However, police were unable to find the vehicle or the suspect.

Jefferson NJ police has released a description of the suspect. The suspect is reportedly a light-skinned black male who is heavyset. At the time of the possible luring incident, the suspect was wearing a white t-shirt.

If police can eventually identify and locate the suspect, it’s possible that he would be subject to serious criminal charges. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6, anyone who attempts to lure or entice a child into a car can be charged with a second degree criminal offense. A conviction on second degree luring charges could result in a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

The Jefferson Police Department is asking for the public’s help with the investigation. Anyone with information about the possible luring incident, or the suspect, should contact investigators at 973-697-1300.

To learn more about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Jefferson Police Investigating Attempted Child Luring.”