A Plainfield man was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs Friday morning, after he was arrested in connection with Thursday's attempted luring of three fifth-grade students at Wilson Elementary School in Westfield.
Eric James Degner, 32, was arrested and held on the drug-possession charge after students identified him as the man they were approached by the day before.
According to Kate Motz, owner of Westfield Mom's Town, the man was spotted on Friday in the same tan Chevy Suburban with New York State license plates at the same spot, the intersection of Kimball Avenue and Harrison Avenue, where he attempted to lure the students.
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Motz said the police were contacted and arrived on the scene. News of Degner's arrest had parents at every school alarmed Friday morning.
Westfield Police Chief John Parizeau said that the detective bureau is collecting statements from all of those involved and is determining what additional charges, if any, can be charged.
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On Thursday, the Wilson students reported that a man wearing a bandana and black gloves attempted to lure them into the Suburban by offering them a ride to school as the children walked down Kimball Avenue. The incident caused police to station police officers at every school in town on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
"The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be possible," Parizeau said.
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