Hammond cops: Man tried to lure girl on her way to school

HAMMOND | A 9-year-old Hammond girl told police a man drove up to her and told her to get into his car as she was walking to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on Monday morning.

According to Hammond police Lt. Richard Hoyda, at 7:40 a.m., the girl was walking with a 10-year-old boy in the 1600 block of 171st Place when a tan vehicle pulled up and the driver told her, "Get in the car."

The two children continued to Jefferson School, 6940 Northcote  Ave., where they alerted school staff, Hoyda said.

Police believe the vehicle may have been a Saturn. The driver was described as an older white man with gray facial hair. He was wearing a knit winter hat.

Hoyda urged everyone who thinks they see the suspect or vehicle in question to immediately contact police.

"Don't approach the vehicle," Hoyda said. "Make sure people are safe. Don't take it upon yourself to try to identify the individual."

Hoyda asked anyone with information about the vehicle or suspect to contact Hammond police at (219) 853-6490.