FLORIDA — A Clearwater man was arrested Friday after police said he attempted to kidnap a 15-year-old runaway outside a gas station.
According to an arrest affidavit, 43-year-old Eric Butler was seen grabbing the girl in the parking lot of a Circle K located at 1501 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
A witness told police Butler grabbed the teen by her shoulders and hips, bear-hugged her, and tried to pull her away as she struggled.
Police said the witness followed Butler and the girl to Glen Oaks Park, where the two had reportedly met on several previous occasions. The witness intervened, allowing the girl to break free, while Butler ran toward the park. Officers quickly responded and took him into custody.
The victim told investigators that Butler had offered her drugs earlier that day and had previously attempted to engage in illegal sexual acts with her. She also said he appeared to be under the influence of narcotics and was physically aggressive.
Butler was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, possession of cocaine and paraphernalia, exposure of sexual organs, and resisting arrest.
