Glen Head Man Allegedly Lured 15 Year-Old Girl into His Van, According to Authorities

LongIsland.com

Police: Denis Melara, 32, attempted to convince the victim not to go to school; the victim felt something was wrong and told the defendant she wanted to leave.

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NCPD reports the arrest of Denis Melara of Glen Head, 32, for Luring A Child that occurred on Thursday, February 1.

Photo by: Nassau County Police Department

Westbury, NY - February 5, 2018 - Third Squad detectives report the arrest of a Glen Head man for Luring A Child that occurred on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in Westbury.
 
According to detectives, Denis Melara, 32, was operating a white Ford van on Grand Blvd. when he observed the victim, a 15 year old female, walking to school. The defendant approached the victim and told her to get in the van. The victim complied, believing it was her mother’s friend. The defendant attempted to convince the victim not to go to school. The victim felt something was wrong and told the defendant she wanted to go to school. Melara then dropped her off in the vicinity of Westbury High School.
 
Melara was located by detectives on February 2, 2018 and placed into custody without incident.
 
Detectives urge anyone that feels they may have been a victim of a similar crime to contact the Third Precinct Detective Squad at 516-573-6353.           
 
Denis Melara is charged with Luring A Child, Criminal Solicitation 4th Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at First District Court in Hempstead.
 
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.