Niles man arrested on child-abduction charge

The mother of a former Chicago Streets and Sanitation employee arrested on a child-abduction charge says her son is innocent of the accusations.

Prosecutors say 59-year-old Dale Bartoszewski tried to lure a 12-year-old girl into his car as she walked home from school Friday.

Authorities say the girl became scared and ran to her school. A teacher also saw the exchange and called police.

Officers say they arrested Bartoszewski at his home in suburban Niles, after which he was identified by both the girl and the teacher.

A message seeking comment was left at Bartoszewski's home. But his mother, Lucy Bartoszewski, says "it's not true what they've charged him with."

Chicago officials say Bartoszewski has been retired from the city since June 2002.