Police arrested 72-year-old Leo Haley Thursday morning at his home in connection with at least one attempted child luring in the Roxborough area in recent weeks.
"Not that it's any safer because there's probably other people out there doing the same thing, but at least people will be able to relax a little bit," said Sal Iaquinto who lives on the same block where the luring incident occurred.
"I am excited and I hope that the person who they arrested is the right person and that they're dealt with accordingly," said parent Sondra Nelson outside a local school.
Investigators say Haley, a retired Philadelphia Police inspector, has been in trouble before. He was arrested in July 2010 in Delaware County as part of a wide sweeping child pornography investigation. A case in which investigators said he admitted downloading child porn. Police allegedly found 200 pictures and video's on his computer. He is currently on the state's Megan's Law list.
"Why doesn't that shock me a little bit, it does, but it doesn't. That's scary," Nelson added.
"You never know today, you never know. It could be anybody," said parent Nicole Butts in Roxborough.
Children and parents began complaining to FOX 29 about attempted lurings in Roxborough last month. Warning letters went out from Shawmont Elementary School about the incidents.
Children described the suspect as an elderly man with gray hair and a droopy eye. One incident involving an 8-year-old girl occurred on Voight Road. In that case, police say the suspect threatened to kill the child.
"I hope he goes back to jail for a long time," Iaquinto said.
Parents say even with the arrest, they will still warn their kids to be cautious.
"These kinds of things can happen with anyone, anywhere, anytime and we're always vigilant and careful and cautious about who our kids are with," said parent Bryce Poirot.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:13:23 GMT
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:54:35 GMT
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
Monday, May 13 2013 7:02 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:02:49 GMT
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
Thursday, May 9 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-09 21:09:22 GMT
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
A former high ranking Philadelphia Police official was arrested in connection with at least one attempted child luring in the Roxborough area.
