Franklin Park police are investigating after a Hester Junior High School eighth-grader reported that a man tried to lure her into his car while she was walking to school on Feb. 1.
School officials sent out a letter to parents that day from Elementary School District 84 Superintendent David Katzin. Officials said the luring attempt took place around 7 a.m. near the intersection of Elm Street and Chestnut Avenue.
According to the letter, the student was asked by the driver to get into the car. The letter added that the student did not know who the man was “and wisely ran off.” The car was a newer black sedan with tinted windows.
On Monday, Michael Witz, Franklin Park’s director of police, said the department is investigating and following up on leads. He said police are increasing patrols near all schools. He said the Feb. 1 reporting luring attempt happened about five blocks from Hester Junior High.
Giffen Trotter, principal at Hester Junior High, said the girl is fine, adding “she is a resilient eighth-grader.”
In Katzin’s letter, he stated that “we are always concerned about the safety and well-being of our students and want to use this incident as an opportunity to remind you and your children about the importance of practicing good safety habits. “
Officials said teachers reviewed safety guidelines with students. Over the intercom at the end of the school day, Trotter read to students several bullet points, which were included in the superintendent’s letter, including — “whenever possible, walk in groups and only down well-lit streets at night; always remain aware of your surroundings; never approach an unknown vehicle or talk to strangers; report any strange incidents to a responsible adult as soon as possible.”
Trotter said he also drove home the point that students should never hesitate to tell any of the adults at Hester and their parents when they see something that is amiss.
“Adults are always there to help them. Report it. Tell us,” Trotter said.
Officials said parents who receive a report from a student should call the school and the local police department immediately so that they can appropriately respond to the situation.
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Deborah Kadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.