42-Year-Old Man Accused Of Twice Trying To Lure Girl Into His Car

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A Waukegan man is accused of twice trying to lure a 13-year-old girl into his car over two days in Highwood and Highland Park, police said.

Mazher Syed, 42, of the 3000 block of West 8th Street, first approached the girl in the 300 block of Waukegan Avenue prior to 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 18, according to Highwood police.

The next day, Syed encountered her again at shortly after 1:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Bloom Street and asked her if she wanted a ride, according to Highland Park police.

Prosecutors said the girl began recording on her cellphone during the second incident. According to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, she captured images of the license plate of a gold Toyota Prius, which officers were able to easily connect to Syed.

Officers identified Syed as a person of interest in the case the same day as the incident, police said. Police said detectives confirmed his identity by the next morning, and he surrendered at the Highland Park Police Department later Thursday.

According to police, there have been no other reported child luring incidents involving Syed or his vehicle in Highland Park or Highwood.

Syed faces two counts of luring of a minor for an unlawful purpose and two counts of luring of a minor with the intent to transport them, police said.

All four charges are class 4 felonies, the lowest level of felony in Illinois. They each carry a sentence ranging from probation to 3 years in prison if convicted.

Highland Park police waited until Monday, four days after the arrest and three days after Syed's bond hearing, to disclose it to the public. Highwood police did not disclose any information about the arrest until it was requested. State public records law requires police to release the identities of the people they arrest within less than 72 hours.

Lake County court records indicate Syed appeared in court for an initial hearing Friday on the Highland Park charges. According to the sheriff's office, $10,000 was posted that same day to secure his release.

Syed's attorney, Northbrook-based Steve Glink, said his client has no prior arrests and turned himself in voluntarily voluntarily. He said he was at work when he encountered the witness in the case.

"We really believe that this is all a misunderstanding. At the time of the incident, he was working as a food delivery driver," Glink said. "He is a good guy."

Syed is due back in court for a preliminary hearing in Sept. 17.