Search On For Other Victims After CT Man Approaches 14-Year-Old Girls With Disturbing Proposition: Police

PEEKSKILL, NY — A community is reeling after the arrest of a man who police say put young girls at risk.

The Peekskill Police Department says that on Tuesday, detectives arrested Gennaro Trainello, of Danbury, Connecticut, for endangering the welfare of a 14-year-old girl.

Police say that they previously received two reports involving 14-year-old female victims.

On March 6, Trainello approached a 14-year-old girl on her way to school in the area of James Street and Brown Street and asked if she was interested in work, stating he would pay her for a massage, according to police.

The girl declined and continued to school, where she reported the incident to the School Resource Officer at Peekskill High School, which started the initial investigation.

On Monday, Trainello approached another 14-year-old girl on Howard Street and reportedly convinced the girl to enter his vehicle with promises of paid work and drove her to the Walgreens Pharmacy on Main Street, where he parked in the area, cops said. The victim reportedly told police that after a brief discussion with Trainello, she exited his vehicle onto Main Street, and he drove away.

On Tuesday, Trainello was arrested on child endangerment charges.

Peekskill police say that the investigation is ongoing, and provided photos of Trainello and his vehicle. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Peekskill Police Department Detective Division at 914-737-8000 or email this address. In addition, anonymous tips may be submitted on the City of Peekskill website, under the crime tips section.

The Peekskill City School District posted on social media Tuesday evening that it "extends its gratitude to the Peekskill Police for their swift and diligent work in apprehending a suspect in a recent child endangerment case. Their professionalism and commitment to protecting our community are deeply appreciated, and their actions help ensure the continued safety and well-being of our students and families."

"We also once again would like to remind parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of talking to strangers and accepting rides from individuals they do not know," the school district added.