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A Rotterdam man, Douglas Myer, 67, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to abduct a young girl in Schenectady. The incident occurred on Wednesday (September 17) around 4:30 p.m. on Delamont Avenue, near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. According to police, the girl was walking home from school when Myer, sitting in a parked van, offered her candy and tried to grab her. The girl managed to escape unharmed and reported the incident to her parents.
Police used the city's camera system to identify Myer, who was later arrested at his Rotterdam home and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Thursday (September 18) and was released with a temporary order of protection issued against him.
This incident follows a similar report from September 8, when another child was approached at a bus stop near Craig Street and Delamont Avenue. Residents have expressed growing concerns over children's safety in the area. The Schenectady School District praised the swift police response and commended the student for promptly reporting the incident. They urged parents to reinforce personal safety habits with their children.