The Falls Township Police charged and jailed a man attempting to lure an 11-year-old boy into to his pickup truck Friday.
Gene Louis Martin, 54, of Nearwood Lane, Levittown, Falls Township, was arraigned Friday afternoon by Magisterial District Judge John T. Galloway on a felony count of luring a child into a vehicle or structure.
He was remanded to Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 bail, 10 percent. Conditions of his bail include no contact with the victim and no contact with schools or any minors.
According to police, at 3:50 p.m. Thursday, the 11-year-old boy was walking south on Pebble Lane when a white pick-up truck also heading south slowed down and stopped next to him.
Martin was described by the victim as a white male between 50 to 60 years old with a multi-colored beard. Martin looked at the victim and said, “Hey kid. I live around here. Get in,” and motioned for him to get in his truck. The boy ran off and reported what happened to his parents who then called the police.
As part of the investigation, numerous surveillance videos showing the suspect’s vehicle were obtained. Based on those videos and the subsequent search of the area, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the driveway of 47 Nearwood Lane, in the Levittown section of Falls Township. The vehicle was identified as a white 2000 Chevy S-10, with a Pennsylvania license plate of ZNZ 4315. Police contacted the owner of the vehicle, identified as Gene Louis Martin, who matched the description provided by the victim. After further investigation, Martin was charged, said investigators.
“I commend the victim for his response to what was clearly a very frightening situation,” District Attorney Jen Schorn said. “Despite just being 11 years old, he had the wherewithal to not engage with the man who was attempting to lure him into his vehicle, and ran then made a prompt report.” “In his report, he provided a detailed description of the perpetrator and his truck. This allowed the Falls Township police to act swiftly in locating and apprehending the defendant. We praise this child for his bravery.”
Bucks County authorities strongly believe Martin has committed or attempted to commit similar crimes in the past and are asking for the public’s help for information.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the assigned investigator, Detective David Gold, at (215) 302-3325, or via email at d.gold@fallstwppd.com. Information may also be provided anonymously at (215) 949-9120, or via email at tiplines@fallstwppd.com.
An online review of Martin’s prior arrest history shows numerous police contacts and arrests mainly for drug related offenses. Nothing was filed against him involving child related offenses prior to Friday. He is currently scheduled to appear on Jan. 29 to answer to the child luring charge.