Man Tries To Lure Girl Into Garage To Look At Video Games: Police

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — A Chicago Ridge man is accused of trying to lure a young girl into his garage to look at video games. Charles Biggerstaff, 63, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a felony charge of child abduction.

Chicago Ridge police investigated a delayed report of an older man, later identified as Biggerstaff, who allegedly approached a 10-year-old girl June 28 in the 6100 block of Birmingham. The prosecutor said the girl was walking home from Freedom Park, when Biggerstaff began asking her questions about the day camp program. He then invited the girl into his garage multiple times, where he fixes phones and video games, according to police.

A neighbor noticed Biggerstaff talking to the girl and asked him if he knew the girl. When he responded that he did not, the prosecutor said the neighbor told the girl to go home. Chicago Ridge police detectives interviewed the child. Biggerstaff was taken into police custody, where he admitted that he talked to the child, but police said he would not elaborate any further.

Biggerstaff has no prior criminal history. His attorney told the judge that his client is a pallet packer in Bedford Park. Biggerstaff's wife and son were in court.

“We fully contest the facts presented by the state,” the attorney said. “This is the first arrest in his life.”

In addition to the Chicago Ridge address, Biggerstaff has another residence in the 3300 block of west 64th Place in Chicago. His attorney said family members reside at both homes.

“He fixes video games for his mentally challenged daughter,” his attorney added.

Bail was set at $150,000. Biggerstaff is due back in court Aug. 12

“You’re every parent’s worst nightmare,” Mahoney said.