Hunt under way for luring suspect in Brick Township

A report of a child-luring incident in Brick Township has police engaged in a spreading search for the suspect, and they're asking residents to stay on the lookout.

According to police, a nine-year-old girl en route from school to her home on Tuesday, April 12, her school bus on Greenwood Loop Road and encountered a man standing near a dumpster.

The youth told police that he said, "Hey, little girl, come here, I have candy for you." When she broke into a run for home, she heard him yell, "Hey, little girl, come back here," police said.

A search of the area yielded no one matching the description of a man believed to be in his late 40s, with thinning brown hair, combed back. He is also described as having a mark or tattoo on one of his hands. His clothes were described as jeans with a dark colored sweatshirt.

Authorities did not indicate the school to which the girl belongs, and there has been no indication of danger to any other students.

Brick police strongly urge parents to speak with their children about the dangers of talking to strangers. Anyone with information that can help the probe is asked to call Brick PD headquarters, 732-262-1100.