Man Approached Teens, Asked Them To Leave To 'Film Commercial'

HUNTLEY, IL — Huntley police are investigating several reports involving a Florida man who allegedly approached teenagers and young adults in public places and asked them to leave with him to "film a commercial."

At about 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, officers were called to a public parking lot after a group of young teenage boys reported a suspicious encounter with a man later identified as 43-year-old Alexander Mak of Miami, Florida.

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According to police, Mak approached the boys and told them he was filming a commercial. He then asked them to leave with him in a black Cadillac Escalade. The boys declined, left the area and reported the encounter to police.

Mak did not make physical contact with the juveniles or use force to try to get them to leave with him, police said.

Officers immediately began investigating and searching for Mak. Investigators identified him based on information provided by the juveniles and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Police also learned of two additional incidents involving similar reported behavior. In each case, Mak allegedly approached a teenager or young adult and tried to persuade the person to accompany him to "film a commercial."

Witnesses described Mak's behavior as persistent or pushy, according to police. However, officers said they have received no reports of physical contact or force, and no abductions have been reported.

Mak voluntarily went to the Huntley Police Department Sunday morning for questioning. Following the investigation, he was charged with four counts of disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor.

Under Illinois law, Mak was released with a court date because the offenses do not qualify for pretrial detention.

Police praised the teenagers involved for recognizing that the encounter made them uncomfortable, leaving the area and promptly reporting it to police or another trusted adult.

"[Their actions] provide an important reminder for parents and caregivers to regularly talk with children and teens about personal safety," police said, including trusting their instincts, maintaining distance from unfamiliar people and seeking help when something does not feel right.

Anyone with information about the investigation or who has had a similar encounter with Mak that has not been reported is asked to contact the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Huntley Police Tip Line at 847-515-5333.