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Police: Man Tried To Lure Nyack Middle School Student Into Car

NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Parents in Nyack are on alert after a 12-year-old girl told police a man tried luring her into his car while she walked to school.

The incident occurred around 7:25 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Midland and Main streets.

The Nyack Middle School student was walking alone when she was accosted by a middle-aged white male driving a white, later-model, four-door sedan with orange and blue New York plates, police said.

Police Investigate Attempted Luring Incident In Nyack

The man said, "Good morning" to the girl and then told her, "You're very pretty," according to a release from the Orangetown Police Department.

The girl became nervous and tried to flee towards her school, but that's when the man pulled into a driveway, blocking her way, said South Nyack-Grand View Police Chief Brent Newbury.

"The man actually pulled the car in front of her to block her path and asked if she would get into the car with him" Newbury told WCBS 880's Sean Adams.

The girl was able to flee to school and told police the suspect is middle-aged, heavyset, bald and was wearing glasses. Detectives say they interviewed the girl agains and hope to get enough detail to issue a sketch of the suspect.

Police are looking for witnesses and ask anyone with information to call Orangetown police at 845-358-3700 or South Nyack-Grand View police at 845-358-0206.

Police in three jurisdictions are putting out extra patrols and urging children to walk in groups, never engage a stranger in conversation and, if approached, run, scream, yell and make ruckus to attract attention.

Some parents say the incident underlines the precautions they're already taking.

"We live a short while away, and she's doesn't get to take the bus. That's why I'm here every day to pick her up," Ruby Edwards, whose daughter is in middle school, told CBS2's Lou Young.

"My daughter's only in sixth grade," said Johana Goodman, another middle school mom. "So she likes to walk with friends, or I pick her up myself."

"I'm the father of four daughters," added Chris Dost. "I trust nobody."

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