Police Investigating Two Attempted Kidnappings Near Hutchinson School

Pelham teachers reviewed safe traveling practices with students on Thursday after getting an alert from the Pelham Police Department about two attempted kidnappings in Mount Vernon.

In two separate incidents, two Mount Vernon girls were accosted by men who tried to lure them into their vehicles, just two blocks from the Hutchinson School.

The first incident occurred on Feb. 3 at approximately 7:40 a.m. at East Lincoln Avenue and Sheridan Avenue. A man driving a small blue SUV with tinted windows, pulled his car up alongside the 12-year-old victim and asked, “Can you help me find my puppy dog?” The driver then exited the car, grabbed the victim’s arm, but she was able to escape after a brief struggle, according to Pelham police. The suspect was described as a 6-foot-tall white male with a medium build, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

The second incident occurred on Feb. 7 at approximately 3:20 p.m. opposite 531 East Lincoln Ave. A 13-year-old female noticed that a Hispanic male in his 30s, driving a green vehicle, was following her. The man drove up next to the female and said, “Hi, my name is Chris. I’ll pull over.” The victim was able to run away, according to police reports.

Pelham Police Chief Joseph Benefico sent out an alert to the Pelham schools about the incidents, which was in turn forwarded to Pelham parents.

Principals and teachers addressed students today on safe traveling practices and reminded them that if they ever feel as though they are in a compromised situation, they can knock on any door to get help.

“We didn’t want over-emphasize, to make kids fearful,” Superintendent Dr. Dennis Lauro said. “We just want to remind kids about not getting into strange vehicles, to remind kids to go to an adult in this community and not to worry about getting all the way home.”