Police: ‘Suspicious’ man offered boy a ride in Mount Prospect

A “suspicious” man offered a 13-year-old boy a ride to school Thursday morning in northwest suburban Mount Prospect, police said.

About 7:30 a.m., the boy was walking on Council Trail near NaWaTa Avenue on the way to Lincoln Middle School at 700 W. Lincoln St. when a black SUV stopped after passing the boy, then reversed up next to him, according to Mount Prospect police.

The man driving the SUV rolled down the window and asked the boy if he needed a ride, police said. The boy said “no” and ran to school, where he reported the incident. The vehicle drove off and did not follow the boy.

The suspect is described as a white man 50-60 with black and gray hair, who spoke with a Middle Eastern accent. He was wearing a black shirt, and driving a black SUV with tinted windows.

Police advise parents and children in the area to be “extra vigilant in the days ahead” and to call 911 if they spot a man or vehicle matching the description. Police will have an increased presence in the area.