Howell Child Luring: Man Gave 'Gifts' To 2 Kids, Fled From Mom

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township police are investigating a possible child luring attempt in which a man gave gifts to two children playing in their front yard, then sped off when their mother came out of the house.

The incident happened at about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said.

The children, ages 11 and 8, were in their front yard on Pitch Pine Lane when a black newer model Hyundai Sonata pulled up in front of the house, Antunez said. The driver, described as a male about 30 years old with "light brown" skin — possibly Hispanic or Middle Eastern, police said — asked the children if they wanted Christmas gifts, Antunez said.

The man, who was alone in the car, then handed several gifts to the 11-year-old, including a coloring book and an Amazon gift card, he said.

As this was happening, the mother of the children came out of the house and saw the man talking to the children. When the man saw her, he sped off without saying anything more, Antunez said.

The mother immediately called police, but neither the man nor his car could be found. The "gifts" were turned over to police.

The car is believed to have Delaware license plates possibly beginning with the letter D, Antunez said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Janet Benitez or Detective Cpl. Nancy Carroll at 732-938-4575 ext. 2885/2884 or by email at jbenitez@howellpolice.org/ncarroll@howellpolice.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through our tip line, www.p3tips.com.

Photo via Howell Township Police Department