Northfield police release sketch of man who tried to lure girl

Northfield police have released a composite sketch of a man that a 13-year-old girl said tried to lure her into his car this afternoon.

At about 12:50 p.m. the girl was walking south on Riverside Drive at Stockton Drive when a man in the passenger seat of a silver four-door vehicle opened the door, gestured inside and said, “Come, come here, come!” according to a Northfield police alert.

The girl ran away and the vehicle, driven by a woman, made a U-turn and turned west onto Winnetka Road, the alert said.

The man was described as about 45 years old, with possibly blue eyes, of average height and build, and no facial hair. He wore a red polo shirt and spoke with a European accent.

There was no description of the female driver, or of the make and model of the silver vehicle.

“Children’s safety is the first and foremost concern of the Northfield Police Department,” said Police Chief Bill Lustig.

“We never know whether these are bona fide attempts or not so we always like to err on side of caution,” Lustig added. “School in Northfield starts next week and we want to make sure that everyone’s gone over their safety rules with their children, and this is a good reminder.”

Lustig said the girl did the right thing by not accepting an offer for a ride from a stranger, and instead ran away and reported it.

“We’re very proud of her,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northfield Police Det. Thomas Hanus at 847-441-3842, or email him at thanus@northfieldil.org.

jhuston@tribune.com