Man Arrested For Attempted Child Luring Harmless, Family Says

The family of a 26-year-old man who was arrested by Radnor Police Wednesday after attempting to lure three children near Wayne Elementary School is speaking out, saying the man is autistic and means no harm.

Daniel Lee, 26, of Wayne was arrested after police said he tried to lure three children around 6:30 pm. Wednesday.

But his parents tell 6ABC that Lee is autistic “and just likes talking to children.”

According to police, a 911 call came in reporting that an Asian man had approached three children at the intersection of W. Wayne and Arbordale Avenues.

“This male engaged the children in conversation and further related to the children that he was walking to a cabin in the woods,” police said. The children continued to walk on W. Wayne Avenue to the Wayne Elementary School playground area, police said.

According to police, when the children arrived, the man reappeared from the wooded area adjacent to the school. “He again engaged the children in conversation. At this time the children’s parents arrived at the playground and were informed by the children of the encounter with this male,” police said.

The parents called 911 and provided a description of the man. Within two minutes of receiving the call, Radnor Police located the Asian male walking on Maplewood Road. The male was taken into custody and transported to Radnor Police Headquarters.

Lee is charged with Attempting to Lure Children into a structure, which is in reference to his statements about a cabin, corruption of the morals of a minor, and harassment.

6ABC reports Lee lives with his parents near the school.