Man Attempts To Abduct Children On Playground

BURR RIDGE, Ill (STNG) ― While playing on a west suburban school playground on Tuesday, two children were approached by a man who asked them to get into his truck, police said.

After repeatedly asking the children to get into his vehicle, the victims, two girls ages 9 and 4, and another child fled to their homes and reported the incident to their parents. The offender had no physical contact with the victims, said Sgt. Jerry Karceski of the Burr Ridge Police Department.

The offender, described as about 20 years old with brown hair and a full beard, drove away in a white, newer-model pick-up truck, possibly a Chevrolet. The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on 60th Street toward Garfield Avenue.

The incident occurred around 4:10 p.m. at Elm School, which was was closed for winter vacation, but a custodian, who did not witness the incident, was in the building, Karceski said.

The offender only approached the 9-year-old girl and 4-year-old girl, who are not related. A 9-year-old boy, who is related to the 4-year-old girl, also was there but apparently did not see the incident.

All three children are from Hinsdale and police do not know if they are students at the school, Karceski said. They were the only children on the playground, located in a residential area.

Representatives from Elm School and Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 could not immediately be reached for comment.

Karceski said police have no leads in the case. Anyone with information should call Burr Ridge police at (630) 323-8181. Residents should call 911 if they observe suspicious activity.

(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Print Page

Email This Page

Featured Audio

The Bears Report: Tom Thayer
WBBM Game Day Analyst Tom Thayer, with our Josh Liss, sizes up Sunday's matchup vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Gardening Tips For Nov. 7, 2009
Tips on maintaining your garden, plants and flowers year-round.

President Obama's Weekly Address
President Obama honors the heroism of those at Fort Hood by paying tribute to those who were killed, those who were wounded and those who extended a helping hand.

Republican Response to Weekly Address
In the Weekly Republican Address, Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS) reflects on this week's elections in New Jersey and Virginia, and discusses why he thinks independents showed overwhelming support for the Republican Party.

Oprah Winfrey moving her show from Chicago?
Veteran Entertainment Journalist and LA Weekly Hollywood, Nikki Finke joins Kris and Sherman during the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the possibility of Oprah Winfrey moving her show from Chicago to Los Angles.