QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – A Department of Education employee is accused in the attempted kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl in Queens, according to authorities.

Police said Yogeshwar Narine, 32, was charged with luring a child, attempted kidnapping, attempted unlawful imprisonment, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Narine allegedly tried to pull the teenager into a black SUV as she walked to school near Francis Lewis Boulevard and 113th Road on Wednesday, according to authorities. The girl was able to escape, police said.

Narine works as a thermostat repairman for the Department of Education, sources said.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students. This alleged behavior extremely concerning. This employee has been reassigned pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue termination,” said Jenna Lyle, the deputy press secretary for the Department of Education.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.