A quiet Friday evening in Jefferson Park turned unsettling when a man posing as a delivery driver tried to lure a 13-year-old girl away from her front porch, according to Chicago police. The teen refused, went back inside, and was not hurt, but the encounter triggered a community alert that has neighbors double-checking delivery routes and scrolling through doorbell camera footage as detectives dig in.
What Police Say
Chicago police report that the attempted luring happened around 6:30 p.m. Friday on the 6200 block of North Naper Avenue. The man walked up to the teen, said he was dropping off packages, asked if she wanted to "make extra money," then offered to show her his phone and told her to "follow me." Officers say she did not go with him and got home safely.
The suspect is described as a man between 20 and 30 years old, about 5'7" to 5'10" tall, with long dreadlocks. As reported by CBS Chicago, anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554.
A Pattern On The Northwest Side
This incident follows an attempted luring in Portage Park earlier this month, which has already put many northwest side families on edge. Recent community alerts and local coverage have led to CPD canvasses in the area and a noticeable uptick in parents and neighbors keeping closer tabs on kids walking or sitting outside.
The broader concern and increased vigilance around these similar northwest side incidents were highlighted in a recent Portage Park scare.
Police: Preserve Footage And Share Tips
The Chicago Police Department is urging residents not to confront anyone they consider suspicious, and instead to preserve doorbell and security camera footage that might help the investigation. Department directives and its camera registration information explain how residents can save and share video clips with detectives and how private footage can support an investigation, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Police say that anyone with information about the Jefferson Park encounter should contact Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. For an immediate threat, call 911. Otherwise, hang on to any video or photos, and pass them to investigators so they can be reviewed as part of the case. Neighbors can also use CAPS meetings and beat contacts to coordinate local safety steps and stay updated on the investigation.
