A 67-year-old Sarasota man has been arrested for attempting to lure two girls, ages 12 and 13, into his truck, according to a press release from the Sarasota Police Department.
Edward O’Neil, Jr., is facing two third-degree felony charges of attempting to lure or entice a child under the age of 14, police said. He was arrested Monday, May 18, during a traffic stop after a warrant had been issued for his arrest, records show.
The girls were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk of Bay Road approaching the intersection of U.S. 41, at about 6 p.m., according to police.
O’Neil was driving a black Dodge Ram truck in the left turn lane of Bay Road when he approached the girls and stated that he could give them a ride. He said they could put their bikes in the back of his truck and opened the driver’s door, though he didn’t get out, police said.
When a stoplight changed, O’Neil turned left onto U.S. 41, drove back through a plaza parking lot and again offered the girls a ride. Two witnesses at the scene told SPD officers they saw O’Neil say, “put your bikes in the back.”
O’Neil is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail on no bond.
If you or someone you know may have any information regarding this case, you’re asked to contact Sarasota Police Department detective Angela Cox at Angela.Cox@SarasotaFL.gov or call 941-263-6075.
You can also remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
Please support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 67-year-old Sarasota man accused of trying to lure girls into truck
Reporting by Chris Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
