A Holmdel man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly attempting to lure a 12-year-old boy from his Hazlet home.

According to police, Clayton Slutsky stopped at the boy's home on Bethany Road after spotting its Halloween decorations. Slutsky allegedly walked to the front door and struck up a conversation with the boy, ending with his asking the child to accompany him to an Aberdeen restaurant.

The boy's father was inside the whole time. The 12-year-old allegedly got scared and alerted his father, who then ran outside after Slutsky.

The incident occurred in broad daylight Sunday, and detectives describe the actions as "brazen."

Police say Slutsky admitted to a history of mental illness during questioning.

Authorities are calling the incident a "wake-up" call as Halloween approaches, and parents are being advised to discuss trick-or-treating safety with their children.

Slutsky is being held at the Monmouth County Jail on $25,000 bail.