Police Release Sketch of NJ Wawa Attempted Abduction Suspect

The New Jersey State Police have released new photos and a composite sketch of a suspect wanted in the attempted abduction of a young boy at a South Jersey Wawa.

Investigators are hoping someone recognizes the man so they can I.D. him and conduct and interview.

According to police, the suspect attempted to abduct a 7-year-old boy from the Dorchester Wawa located at 3904 State Highway 47 in Maurice River, Cumberland County, just before 12:30 PM on May 28.

The boy told responding officers the man entered the Wawa restroom and offered the boy candy if he would leave with him. When the boy refused, police say the man "grabbed the boy’s arm and attempted to physically remove him from the store."

NJSP

In a news release, State Police say "the boy immediately resisted, broke free from the man’s grasp, and ran to his mother who was using the female restroom."

The suspect left the store before the boy's mother could locate him.

He is believed to have fled in a white Toyota 4-Runner.

NJSP

Police initially released grainy photos from the store's surveillance video system.

They are now hoping a composite sketch and photos of the suspects vehicle will lead to someone being able to identify him.

Police describe the man as "a white male with gray thinning hair combed to the back. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a maroon or burgundy colored t-shirt."

NJSP

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Port Norris Station at 856-785-0036.

Anonymous tips are welcome.

NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts

Over the past several years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.

NJ arrests 31 accused child predators in "Operation 24/7"

A roundup of 31 men have been accused of sexually exploiting children online, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced on July 14 while detailing "Operation 24/7."

The suspects “possessed and or distributed videos and images of child sexual abuse, including in many cases videos of young children being raped by adults,” Grewal said.

Chat apps and gaming platforms remain favorite hunting grounds for child predators and even as the pandemic winds down, many children have continued to spend more time online.

State Police received 39% more tips in just the first 6 months of 2021 than they received in the entire year in 2019. The following are suspects charged in "Operation 24/7."