Strangers Try To Lure Boy Into SUV In Huntington Station

The South Huntington Union Free School District is warning residents that two strangers tried to lure a sixth grader into their vehicle in Huntington Station on Thursday afternoon.

According to school officials, the boy exited Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center, located at 23 Harding Place, following an after-school activity when he was approached by two strangers in a dark-colored SUV. The strangers, described as males in their late teenage years, asked the boy to get in the vehicle and claimed they had his mom's permission, the district says in a letter to parents and residents of the area.

The boy ignored the strangers and kept walking. The strangers did not make any further attempts to lure or pursue, the district says.

The boy left the area after spotting a neighbor, who gave him a ride home.

The school district says they were informed of this "stranger danger" incident on Friday morning.

"We are also working with our security cameras to see if the individuals were anywhere in our parking lot areas covered by imaging equipment," Superintendent of Schools David P. Bennardo and Silas Wood Principal Steve Toto said in a district letter.

The letter continued:

While we are very fortunate that our Silas Wood student is fine and there were no follow up interactions and concerns, we are taking the situation quite seriously and working cooperatively to assist a thorough police response. We are also making this a priority to both our security and administrative teams. In addition, we suggest that this would be an excellent time to speak with your children regarding the dangers of getting in any unknown individual’s car for any reason at any time.

Rest assured that the safety of our students and staff, both in school and the surrounding neighborhood, remains a crystal clear focus of our energy.

Patch graphic