Man Wanted For Attempted Child Luring at South Jersey Wawa Arrested

A man wanted for allegedly attempting to lure a child at a Wawa store in Cumberland County last weekend has been arrested.

Last Sunday, members of the New Jersey State Police began an investigation into an incident occurring at Wawa on Route 47 in Maurice River Township where a man allegedly approached a seven-year-old child in a restroom.

The boy told police the man offered him candy if he would leave with him. When the boy refused, police say the man "grabbed the boy’s arm and attempted to physically remove him from the store."

In a news release, troopers said, "the boy immediately resisted, broke free from the man’s grasp, and ran to his mother who was using the female restroom."

The suspect left the store before the boy's mother could locate him.

The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office says on Thursday, the suspect, 79-year-old Thomas Cannon of Camp Hill, PA, was arrested and charged with one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Troopers say their investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the NJSP Port Norris Station at (856) 785-0036.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.