UPDATE: Nearby 'Luring Incident' Was Misunderstanding

UPDATE: New Castle police sent out an advisory at 3:50 p.m. saying that the driver and vehicle described in this morning's possible luring incident on Roaring Brook Road have been identified.

"It appears to have been a misunderstanding at this juncture of the investigation," they said. Updates will follow as deemed necessary.

BEDFORD, NY — Bedford school officials are warning residents of a luring incident reported Wednesday morning in New Castle.

According to their Nixle alert, New Castle police said the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Roaring Brook Road. An 11-year-old girl was waiting for her school bus when a black SUV-style vehicle with tinted windows stopped.

A man told her that he thought she had missed her bus and offered her a ride to school. The girl declined the ride and the man drove off.

Police said the driver was described as a white male between 40-50, dirty blonde hair possibly graying, with facial hair on his chin.

"We are currently working closely with the Chappaqua School District," police said.

Bedford Schools Superintendent Christopher Manno told parents about the warning and the update.

Dear Bedford Central School Community:
Please see this update reported from the New Castle Police regarding the earlier-reported attempted child luring. The New Castle Police have stated, "...it appears to have been a misunderstanding at this point in the investigation." The Police have stated they will provide further updates if deemed necessary. While fortunately, this incident at this time appears to have been a false alarm, it serves as a reminder of the important messages we need to reinforce with our children to ensure their safety.

• If children encounter anything in their community that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should seek out the nearest trusted adult.
• If a child sees something out of the ordinary, he or she should tell a trusted adult.
• If a child is approached by a stranger, the child should not talk to the stranger and should immediately run to nearest familiar place or adult.

Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Manno,
Superintendent of Schools

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call New Castle police at 914-238-4422.