An Ossining man used a puppy and ice cream to lure a child into his yard before inappropriately touching the child, according to police.

Investigators say Juan Cornejo, 44, asked the child to come into his yard on Dale Avenue to see his puppy Monday afternoon.

Once there, he allegedly told the young student to come inside his home for some ice cream. Police say they believe that's when inappropriate touching may have taken place.

Cornejo was arrested and taken into custody on Tuesday. He was charged with forceable touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

News of the incident put the community on edge. Police officers have been sent to stand by in as many spots as possible in and around the schools, especially during the morning and dismissal time to help everyone feel safe.

School officials say their staff is keeping a close eye around campuses as students come and go. They urge people to call police right away if they see anything suspicious. 

Neighbor Mauro Correa says things like this can happen quickly. "The real kicker here is that this occurred as kids were leaving their school buses and walking home from school."

Police and school officials say they will continue to coordinate with each other in the hopes of making families feel safe. "This is something that really hits home, and it reminds us what a community effort that it needs to be to keep kids safe," says Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester.