Police: Quick response led to quick arrest in attempted child luring

PORT VUE, Pa. — Authorities are giving kudos to a mother and daughter for their quick action in reporting an attempted child luring Tuesday afternoon in Port Vue.

Port Vue Police Chief Bryan R. Myers said that a 14-year-old girl got off her school bus and found a man sitting on her front porch around 3:30 p.m.

According to a criminal complaint, the suspect, Wesley Alexander, said to the girl, "Come here and I will show you a good time." The girl ran inside her home, called her mother, and called 911.

Myers said he was in his squad car and was at the girl's home in less than a minute, as the police station is less than a half-mile away.

The suspect led officers on a short chase, and he eventually abandoned his car and fled on foot.

Myers said officers in 13 police cruisers from several departments responded to search the area, including the K-9 unit from McKeesport. The K-9 unit tracked the suspect to an an apartment building just a few blocks away, where neighbors told police that Alexander was opening and closing the door, watching the police activity.

Alexander was found hiding in a nearby home and was taken into custody around 5 p.m. The teen and the police chief both identified him as the suspect.

"It's important to believe your child. That's important -- to notify the police immediately. Don't wait a day," Myers said.

Police found nearly $5,000 in Alexander's pocket. Inside the apartment, they found a gun reported stolen in New Mexico.

Stay with WPXI.com and watch Channel 11 News at 6 for updates.

Cox Media Group