Nassau Boy Nearly Abducted At School Bus Stop: PD

RUSSELL GARDENS, NY — A 10-year-old boy was nearly abducted at a school bus stop in Russell Gardens on Thursday morning, Nassau County police said.

Detectives said the boy was at the corner of South Middle Neck Road and Melbourne Street at about 8:25 a.m. when someone driving a grayish-white utility van stopped in front of him. A person stepped out a passenger door and told the boy to get inside, at which point the boy ran to his home, police said. The person got back in the van and the driver fled in an unknown direction, police said.

Police described the person who tried to lure the boy into the van as a male with light skin who stood about 5 feet, 5 inches, to 5 feet, 7 inches. The person has an average build and dark hair and was wearing a short, black winter jacket, police said.

Police did not initially release any further details about the attempted abduction. Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun, commanding officer of the Public Information Bureau, is expected to update members of the press in a news briefing at the location Friday afternoon.

Police said anyone with information should call 911 or contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS, a confidential police hotline where callers can remain anonymous.