2 women try to lure children with candy near Austin school, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Two women tried to lure children with candy late Monday morning near an elementary school on Chicago's West Side, police said.

The kids were outside for recess around 11:15 a.m. at John Hay Community Academy in the 5200-block of West Augusta Boulevard in the city's Austin neighborhood.

Police said that's when the suspects, sitting in a black, four-door sedan, rolled down a car window and waved at the students, trying to get them to come closer by offering sweets.

"They were just saying they got to keep a close eye on the kids and make sure the gates are locked," said Roshonda Fletcher, a parent.

After the children told school security about the women in the car, they drove away.

"We have a standard procedure with our child and she knows this. She basically knows if we do not give her instructions on who is coming up here to get her, you don't go. Candy, puppy, rabbit, whatever it is, she knows not to go to anyone but us," said Rickie Brown, another parent.

Police only released a vague description of the suspects. One of the women was described as an older black woman with straight hair. The other woman was described as younger, with curly hair.

Anyone with information should contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8266.

This alert is a reminder to tell children not to approach strange people or cars, especially on Halloween.

"Don't go to nobody. Don't accept nothing from nobody. If someone try to talk to them, start yelling, running, screaming, to get some type of attention," said Dante Temple, another parent.