Man tried luring 2 children at bus stop, mother says

GASTONIA, N.C. — A man tried to lure two children into his car at a Gastonia bus stop Friday morning, police said.

The man is still on the loose after the luring attempt on North Rhyne Street.

The childrens’ mother said her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son were approached by the man who offered them money and handed the boy some cash.

“My son had the money in his hand,” she said. “It was $2.”

The mother was half a block away when her son disappeared behind some bushes. She ran down the street and said the young boy was hanging from the stranger’s car window.

“I started yelling, and when I started yelling, he just stepped on the gas. (I) didn’t wait on my kid to step away from the car or anything. (He) just stepped on the gas and went up the street that way,” the mother said.

The mother said the vehicle was a dark blue or purple Honda with new rims and a sunroof with a tall black wind guard.

“I just hope they catch him before he does get somebody's kid,” the mother said.

She said she's spoken to her kids many times about avoiding strangers and will repeat that message again Friday night.

“Keep an eye on your kids, because the next thing you know, they might not be there,” she said.

Investigators said they are continuing to search for the suspect, but only have a vague description to go on.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gastonia police at 704-866-3320.

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