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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:43:01 GMT
The Lehigh County District Attorney's office has charged a couple with conspiring to embezzle $854,497 from the utility account of the South Whitehall Finance Department between 1999 and 2012.Nancy Tonkin,
The Lehigh County District Attorney's office has charged a couple with conspiring to embezzle $854,497 from the utility account of the South Whitehall Finance Department between 1999 and 2012.Nancy Tonkin,
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:38:51 GMT
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:18:39 GMT
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:36:58 GMT
In a day and age where pampering our dogs is at the top of the to-do list, and our furry friends are on social media, there is a new question to consider- just how smart are our pets? Dognition is giving
What's your dog thinking? Exciting new research that could have you reading your best friend's mind.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:00:09 GMT
It feels like summer out there. We're expecting milder temperatures than yesterday: highs in the mid 80s. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers during the day.
This pattern stays in place until Thursday, when strong thunderstorms usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Tuesday: (83/65) clouds/sun
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
A former high ranking Philadelphia Police official was arrested in connection with at least one attempted child luring in the Roxborough area.
