A man wanted in the attempted abductions of kids headed to the North Philadelphia Elementary School was arrested last night.
Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit Capt. John Darby announced Wednesday that police arrested Tyrone Ferguson.
"His behavior is bold and it definitely creates a threat to that community," said Darby.
Darby said Ferguson tried to abduct three children in two separate incidents outside of a North Philadelphia school.
The first incident happened Feb. 19 but wasn't reported until two days later. Police say that a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man outside the Mary McLeod Bethune School on 3301 Old York Road. Police say the man grabbed the girl's arm but she managed to break free and he fled the scene.
On Monday, around 8 a.m., police say an 8-year-old boy and his 10-year-old sister were walking to Mary Bethune along the 1000 block of W. Venango Street when they were approached by the suspect. The man allegedly told the children, “come here” and then grabbed the boy's book bag.
Police say the boy's sister rushed over and freed him.
"Ultimately that male let go of the young male child and then attacked the female and tried to take her... as well," said Darby.
The man then allegedly grabbed the girl's hair and pulled her towards him. Nearby children then threw rocks at the suspect, knocking him down, according to investigators. The suspect then fled the scene and the girl escaped.
The children then reported the incident to the school, which contacted police.
During both incidents, police say the man was wearing all-black clothing, black gloves and a ski mask.
"Recognizing the threat level we began to work almost immediately," said Darby.
As a result of the increased police presence in the area, Ferguson was identified Tuesday night. One of his alleged victims also recognized Ferguson.
Ferguson, who lives not far from the school, turned himself into the Special Victims Unit Tuesday night around 9. Darby said that Ferguson was charged in Monday's incident with robbery, attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, simple assault, luring a child and related counts.
Darby said as of now Ferguson isn't linked to other recent incidents in the city but that the investigation is going including investigating whether Ferguson is the same man who exposed himself to several children in the city over the past few weeks.
"Our work continues here to identify any other incidents from the past that we might be able to tie to this individual," said Darby.
Ferguson is no stranger to law enforcement, he has a slew of previous convictions including drugs incidents and serving time for a 2001 conviction for corruption a minor, according to court records.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Police