Attempted lurings in the Lehigh Valley

EASTON, Pa. - September 16, 2008 - (WPVI) -- Police in the Lehigh Valley are looking for a man who attempted to lure, and possibly kidnap, two children.

One incident happened in Easton, Northampton County. The other, near Trexler Middle School in Allentown, Lehigh County.

In both cases the children got away, unharmed.

Investigators in Easton say it started when a 12-year-old boy was waiting for his school bus near the corner of Berwick and Seitz Streets.

That's when a man approached him and asked the youngster if he had a cigarette lighter.

"When the boy began to respond to his question, the male immediately tried to grab the boy by the pocket," said Lt. Scott Casterline of the Easton Police Department.

There was a brief struggle, but the sixth grader was able to break free and get help from people at a nearby home who called the boy's parents and police.

Neighbors here were shocked to hear the news.

"We've had minor things, like stealing," said Walter Juarez. "But nothing like abducting kids."

Now, police are working to see if there's any connection to another incident in Allentown last week.

Investigators say that's when a man in a car approached two young girls as they were walking to Trexler Middle School.

They say he made an indecent proposal, prompting the girls to run away.

Police describe the suspect as:
-White man
-Late twenties or early thirties
-Heavy set
-Short brown hair and a goatee
The boy involved in the Easton attack says the man was wearing a black and white bandana around his head as well.

Investigators say the children in both cases did the right thing by yelling and running for help.

Anyone with information is asked to call either the Allentown Police Department at (610) 437-7777 or the Easton Police Department at (610) 250-6631.

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