Minivan Drive-Bys Land Local Man In Cuffs

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL -- A local man who reportedly targeted a middle school girl in repeated minivan drive-bys is facing disorderly conduct charges.

Douglas Pittas, 56, of the 1300 block of Luther Lane, was arrested on Wednesday after police received a tip from a parent about his behavior, according to a Daily Herald article. The Chicago Tribune also reported the arrest, citing an email that Thomas Middle School Principal Brian Kaye sent to parents about the "stranger danger".

Kaye wrote that officials received a report from police that a light blue minivan had repeatedly passed a student between 2:45 and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Hickory Avenue and Marion Street in Arlington Heights. A similar incident occurred last week, according to the story.

While Pittas — who has no criminal record — reportedly denied any wrongdoing, police called his actions "alarming and disturbing" to the 12-year-old victim.

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