The driver of the white Lexus being sought by Buffalo police has been cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with reported attempts to lure teenagers earlier this month. Residents were alerted of at least four such incidents in recent weeks, many taking place near schools on the city's east and west sides.
Lt. Jeff Rinaldo says it appears a female passenger in the car had "an inappropriate conversation" with a teenage girl. He says it appears the woman may have been intoxicated when she encountered a 16-year-old along Connecticut Street on October 1.
"Based on our information at this time, the incidents that she was involved in don't rise to the level of a crime. But we would urge parents to have conversations with their children about 'stranger danger' and to be alert for people that approach them or make inappropriate comments," Rinaldo said at a Wednesday afternoon news briefing.
Rinaldo says the Lexus is in possession of its owner, who had lent the car to the driver. He was arrested earlier this month in Arkansas on unrelated charges. His name has not been released.
"Anytime there's any type of suspicious activity concerning children, the police department always will err on the side of caution and alert the public to that effect," Rinaldo added.
Police are still trying to identify his female passenger.
