Wappingers Falls school district investigates student luring attempt

New York State Troopers and the Wappingers Central School District are investigating an attempted luring of an elementary school student in Wappingers Falls. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2026, near the Montclair Townhouses on Route 9D after a student from Sheafe Rd Elementary departed their school bus.

Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk reported that a suspicious individual, allegedly driving a gray SUV, attempted to engage the child using money. The student did not comply with the stranger's demands and is reported to be safely at home.

The school district is cooperating with law enforcement by providing video footage from external bus cameras to assist in the investigation. Authorities have not yet released a description of the individual.