MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — The Mayfield Heights Police Department has arrested a suspect accused of trying to lure two Lander Elementary School students into his car for a ride home earlier this week.
According to a release issued by the department on Thursday, 35-year-old Dev Raj Sharma has been charged with two counts of criminal child enticement and is in the Mayfield Heights Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
Police say on Tuesday, two Lander Elementary students were walking home from school in the area of Bellingham Road and Ascot Road when they were approached Sharma, who asked if he could give them a ride home.
He put his hand on the shoulders of one of the children. The students said no to Sharma, who then went back to his car. Police add that after the children refused his invitation, Sharma followed them in his car while continuing to offer them a ride home.
The two children ran home and told their parents about the incident. The families called both police and the administration at Lander Elementary School to report what had happened.
Police started their investigation by responding to the homes of the two students. One day later, the department announced that they had identified a suspect male, who confirmed he was in the area to pick up his daughter from an aftercare program at Lander Elementary.
"Once the investigation is complete the case will be forwarded to the Prosecutor to determine if any charges will be filed against the male," the department wrote in a release.
In an updated post on Facebook, Mayfield Heights police complimented both the children and the community for their role in the investigation.
"The two children involved did everything right and are both very smart and extremely brave. We would like to thank all of the residents that assisted us with this investigation by checking their surveillance cameras and contacting our department. Your assistance was very helpful. The victim's parents have been updated on the status and facts of the case."