Prosecutors say suspect approached children in a vehicle before arrest and jail remand
Wallington, NJ — Two children were targeted in an alleged luring attempt in Wallington, leading to the arrest and charging of a 43-year-old Garfield man, authorities said.
Mark Jankowski was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree luring following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wallington Police Department, according to Prosecutor Mark Musella.
Alleged luring reported to police
The investigation began on April 10, 2026, when Wallington police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding a report involving two children.
Authorities said Jankowski was in a vehicle at the intersection of Hayward Place and Locust Avenue when he allegedly attempted to lure the children into the car.
Arrest follows joint investigation
Following a joint investigation, Jankowski was located and arrested in Wallington, officials said.
He has been charged with two counts of second-degree luring under New Jersey law and was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Key Points
• Garfield man charged with attempting to lure two children in Wallington
• Incident reported at Hayward Place and Locust Avenue
• Suspect arrested and held in Bergen County Jail pending court appearance
Agencies coordinate on case
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office credited the Wallington Police Department for its assistance in the investigation, which was conducted by the Special Victims Unit.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the encounter or the condition of the children.
Ongoing case status
Jankowski remains in custody at the Bergen County Jail awaiting his first court appearance. Prosecutors emphasize that all charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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