Waukegan man accused of luring child in Highwood, Highland Park

A Waukegan man has been charged with two felony counts of child luring.

The first attempt occurred Aug. 18 in Highwood, and police later learned the same man had spoken to the same child in Highland Park the next afternoon, according to a Highland Park news release.

Mazher Syed, 42, was identified as a suspect and surrendered to Highland Park detectives Thursday, the news release said.

Authorities recommend that parents discuss safety and stranger awareness with their children. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, attempted abductions occur most often when a child is going to or from school or school-related activities or while children are outside playing near the street.

Individuals typically will try to lure children with offers of a ride, candy, money or a pet, the news release said.