Police on Lookout for Van that Follows Students

Police are on the hunt for a van that has been following students in the Merrick, and areas.

On Wednesday, Patch learned that a man tried to lure a 6-year-old East Meadow boy into a white van in September.

It seems, however, that the van has recently been spotted again in the area and the driver preying on school children.

"It’s unknown if any of these are related," said Vincent Garcia, a dectective with the Nassau County Police Public Information Office. "It’s under investigation right now. We’re looking for two male blacks and two male Hispanics in a white van – older model – [and] possibly tinted windows," he added.

According to police, on Jan. 4, two teenage girls, 15 and 13, spotted a van following them in North Merrick at the intersection of Sycamore Avenue and Losee Court. The teens said two men, described to be black and wearing ski caps, were in the van that had an orange New York license plate.

On Jan. 10, the van was seen again at the intersection of Rhode Avenue and William Street in Merrick. A 13-year-old girl described the two suspects as Hispanics with black hair.

There were also two recent incidents in Bellmore. On Jan. 6, a student from was allegedly followed home from school by a person in a white van Friday evening and on Jan. 2, a female student from was in a white van who asked if she "wanted a ride" as she walked along Pea Pond Road in Bellmore.

Garcia is urging anyone that sees this van to call the police or Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous.

Note: Superintendent Kiernan of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District declined to comment about the incidents. Other district officials were not immediately available for comment.