Arrest in luring case

By Nathan Mayberg
WANTAGE — State Police investigating a child luring complaint, arrested a 71-year-old man on Monday.

Ricardo Varrios, of Wantage, was picked up by State Police on State Route 23 in Wantage while searching for a vehicle matching the description in the incident.

State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams said Varrios matched the description of a man who allegedly told a 14-year-old girl on Friday to "come here" while she was near a driveway and he was in a truck in Wantage on Friday afternoon. The girl ran away from him, Williams said.

Varrios was stopped in his blue 2015 Toyota Tacoma at approximately 4:08 p.m. on Monday while traveling north on Route 23.

Varrios was questioned briefly, arrested and processed.

A search of his vehicle turned up prescription drug bottles which contained five marijuana cigarettes, Williams said.

Varrios is facing charges of harassment and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

He was arraigned in Town of Wantage Court and released pending a future court appearance, Williams said.

Parents of students in High Point and Sparta were among those sent notifications of the arrest and incident.

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at 845-469-9000 ext. 359 or by emailing comm.reporter@strausnews.com