At least one report of an attempted abduction this week and several other suspicious incidents now being investigated by police in the Roxborough area.
Only On Fox: Police Investigate Attempted AbductionMore>>
Residents in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia are on edge after at least one report of an attempted abduction this week and several other suspicious incidents now being investigated by police.
"It's scary, its scary to think you're in a good area, that things like this don't happen. Here it is at our doors," said grandmother Nancy Howard.
"It scares the living daylights out of me," said Dan McNally. "I just can't believe that this is the way the world has become."
As parents arrived to pick up their kids at Shawmont Elementary School, word was spreading that on Wednesday an eight-year-old girl playing in her front yard on the 7000 block of Voight Road reported that a man got out of a dark SUV and grabbed her arm. She pulled away and he said, "if you go inside I'm going to kill you."
The little girl told police the man had gray hair and a droopy eye. He was wearing an orange jumpsuit. She also gave investigators a partial license plate number.
"I'm thinking it's somebody local," Howard added. "Somebody from the area that we don't see him as harmful to the kids but it's very harmful."
"As a parent I'm very concerned, not just for my son, but for the other kids also," said Alan Caroll, who's son attends Shawmont Elementary.
On Thursday, letters went home from the school warning parents. Then several other reports surfaced. Four students told the school principal that a gray haired man with "funny eyes" waved at them at the corner of Ridge and Shawmont a block from the school. They saw the same man at a local supermarket parking lot a short time later. One other incident is being investigated by the Special Victims Unit.
"I want him put away because I don't want the kids to have to worry about going to school," one parent said.
"Now I'm just gonna be on the lookout," Caroll said. "Someone like that we need to get him off the street."
Police have not connected all of the incidents at this point. They do have several strong leads. The investigation continues.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:13:23 GMT
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:54:35 GMT
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
Monday, May 13 2013 7:02 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:02:49 GMT
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
Thursday, May 9 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-09 21:09:22 GMT
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
At least one report of an attempted abduction this week and several other suspicious incidents now being investigated by police in the Roxborough area.
