Immokalee man charged for luring kids near Lake Trafford Elementary School

IMMOKALEE, Fla.—A 19-year-old from Immokalee is facing charges after allegedly attempting to lure children near Lake Trafford Elementary School. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon as a group of kids was walking home.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office reported that the man, identified as Julian Valdez, hid behind bushes in his backyard near the school and offered snacks to lure the children closer. CCSO announced the arrest on its Facebook Friday night.

One of the children told deputies that Valdez put on a ski mask and began chasing them down Lake Trafford Road, according to Valdez's arrest report. Fortunately, the kids were able to escape and called 911 after finding an adult.

"I'm glad they ran," said Amelea Rodriguez, who lives nearby. "They looked for someone who was an adult or safety and called for help, because that needs to be reported immediately."

Rodriguez, who frequently jogs near the school, expressed her shock at the incident. She claims to have met Valdez in the neighborhood before.

"It was quite surprising, because, again, I had met him, and I thought he was just a normal enough kind of person," said Rodriguez. "I grew up here too, and you just, I'd never expected something like that, like from somebody that I happen to know too. So it's really alarming."

Lake Trafford Elementary School's principal quickly informed parents about the situation, assuring them that the students were safe and unharmed.

Rodriguez praised the children's quick thinking.

"They're really smart. So I think just teaching the children, keeping them aware of these types of situations," she said.

A spokesperson from Collier County Public Schools noted that this is a good reminder for students to report suspicious behavior if they see it, both in person and online. The school district has a website dedicated to student safety.

Meanwhile, the Collier County Sheriff's Office sent WINK News a list of essential safety tips for students and parents:

Essential Safety Rules

Trust Your Instincts: Tell a trusted adult if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
The Buddy System: Never walk or play anywhere alone; always be with friends or a known adult.
Car Safety: Never approach a stranger's car or get into a car with anyone you do not know well
Strangers Asking for Help: Adults should not ask children for help or directions. If a stranger asks for help, you should run away.
Information Safety: Never give a name, address, or phone number to a stranger, including online.
Emergency Action: If followed or grabbed, yell "Help!" "Call the police!", or "This is not my parent!" and fight to get away.

Valdez had his first court appearance on Sunday. According to a spokesperson from the Collier County Courts, his bond is set at $35,000. If released, he will not be allowed to have contact with any minors and must wear a GPS tracker.