Possible 'Predator' Tries to Lure Child With Candy: Police

EAST QUOGUE, NY — Parents and the local school district are on the alert after a possible predator tried to lure a child into his truck this week in East Quogue, according to police.

A message was sent out to local parents and educators by Melissa Benjamin of the Southampton Town Police Department's Juvenile Aid Bureau this week.

"I would just like to inform you all of an incident that occurred in the East Quogue area," the message read. "A child informed police that an older white male with a yellow and brown beard, salt and pepper colored, curly 'noodle' like hair driving a red pick-up truck with chrome rims stopped at his bus stop and asked him to 'Come here. Do you want some candy?' The child ran and reported the incident."

Benjamin continued, "As disturbing as it is, we always need to remember these predators are out there and trying take a child and make them a victim. Please pass this information along and continuously speak to kids, no matter what age, about the dangers that are out there."

East Quogue School Elementary School's Acting Superintendent and Principal Robert Long, Jr. said the district was taking the police department's report as fact and had notified all families, faculty and staff of the incident.

"We've encouraged our families to talk with their children," he said.

The child who reported the incident and the child's family are fine, he said.

"Sadly, this is the world we live in," Long said. "I know it's troublesome and disturbing but we as a community work together to keep our kids safe."