Stanger Offered Paramus Kids Candy And A Ride: Police

PARAMUS, NJ — Authorities are looking for a man who offered a pair of children candy and a ride on two separate occasions in the last month, according to the Paramus Police Department.

The first incident took place at 1:45 p.m. on April 8 in the area of Azalea Street and Roosevelt Boulevard. At that time, an eight-year-old boy was riding his bike when a dark-colored vehicle approached him and asked if he wanted candy, police said. The suspect is described as a white male, between the ages of 20 and 30, with blond hair that was spiked.

Officers interviewed a resident on Monday who reported that their 10-year-old daughter was walking in the area of Van Binsberger Boulevard, near Midland Avenue, at 3:20 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle — possibly a Jeep Wrangler — pulled up to the victim and asked “do you want a ride,” police said.

The suspect was described as a heavyset white man between the ages of 30 and 40 with spiked hair. He was possibly wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, police said.

Authorities are asking the public if they have any information on these incidents to contact their online tips app or phone line, 201-262-3400.

The department offered these recommendations for parents:

• "Stay away from strangers. Explain what makes a person a stranger. Note that even someone with a familiar face is a stranger if you do not know him or her well."
• "Stay away from anyone who is following you on foot or in a car. Don't get close to them or feel as though you must answer any questions they ask you.• Run and scream if someone tries to force you to go somewhere with them or tries to push you into a car."
• "Memorize a secret code word. Tell your child not to go with anyone under any circumstances unless that person also knows this code word."
• "Adults shouldn't ask children for help. For example, a child shouldn't trust grown-ups who ask kids for directions or for help finding a puppy or kitten. A child who is approached in this way should tell the person, "Wait here and I'll check with my mom or dad," and then find his or her parents right away."
• "Always ask for permission before going anywhere with anybody. Ask a parent or the grown-up in charge before leaving the yard or play area, or before going into someone's home. Do not accept any unplanned offers for a ride—from someone known or unknown."
• "Always tell a parent where you are going, how you will get there, who is going with you, and when you will be back. Be home at the agreed-upon time or else find a way to contact home directly."

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