A Chicago mother says a stranger tried to lure her young child toward a vehicle near the East Side Little League fields on Thursday, and she is sharing the video as a warning to other parents in the neighborhood. The clip, provided to a local TV station, shows an individual approaching the child while the family was at the fields. The mother says the encounter was terrifying and wants families to keep a closer eye on kids during practices and games.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, reporter Leslie Moreno posted the station's story on May 14, 2026, after the family permitted the station to air part of the footage. The station reports that the incident happened near the East Side Little League fields and that the family chose to make the video public in hopes of putting other parents on alert.
Similar Attempted Luring Reported in March
This is not the only reported luring attempt involving a child in Chicago this spring. In March, ABC7 Chicago reported that a man tried to lure an 11-year-old on the North Side near Wrightwood and North Clark. In that case, witnesses intervened, and police urged residents in the area to stay vigilant.
What Parents Can Do
Safety experts say a few straightforward, age-appropriate habits can make a difference: encourage kids to use a buddy system, teach them to say “no” and run if someone makes them uncomfortable, and help them identify trusted adults they can approach right away if something feels off.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers free resources and curricula, including KidSmartz, to help families and schools walk through safety routines and prevention conversations. MissingKids.org provides downloadable tips and lesson materials for parents, caregivers and teachers.
The family told FOX they hope that going public with the footage will encourage extra vigilance among local families. Anyone who noticed suspicious activity near the East Side Little League fields or who has information is asked to contact local law enforcement. In an emergency, call 911.
