Man In Red Car Allegedly Makes Sexual Advances Toward Kids
Police Question Man In Relation To Missing Shakira Johnson
UPDATED: 4:36 pm EDT October 3,
2003
CLEVELAND -- A man accused of making sexual advances toward a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl is behind bars Friday.
NewsChannel5 reported that the suspect was arrested Thursday night in the area of East 110th and Union. It is the same neighborhood where Shakira Johnson, 11, disappeared nearly three weeks ago. Police said the man, who was driving a red car, allegedly tried to lure the two kids. They both ran into a nearby convenience store for help and then called their cousin. With the help of neighbors, Marlon Allen made sure the suspect was not going anywhere. "We just took his keys out (of) his car and didn't let him go nowhere and surrounded the car," he said. "And once we got out there and everybody figured out what was going on, everybody (was) like, 'He ain't going nowhere.'"Allen then blocked the suspect's car with his car. Officials were called to the scene and the man was arrested. Police said that swift action on the part of the two children kept them out of danger. "He was drunk," the store owner said. "Two kids came in saying he said something fresh to them. By the time I went outside, there was about 30 guys surrounding his car and blocked his car until police came."
Nervous parents are now trying harder than ever to prevent their kids from becoming abduction victims. "The mother's talking to her, making sure she comes in at the right time (and is) not out in the streets," parent Clarence Barnes said. "(She's) basically telling her how dangerous it is out here." Officers have said a red car was seen where Shakira (pictured, right) went missing, and a red car was also said to be connected to the other two attempted abductions nearby. However, they don't know if the incidents are related. The man is being questioned about Shakira's disappearance. Police continue to search the neighborhood where Shakira disappeared. The 11-year-old is about 4 feet 7 inches tall and 70 pounds. She has light brown eyes, and her sandy brown hair was in a ponytail when she disappeared. Crime Stoppers is offering a $4,000 reward for information leading to where Shakira might be. Call (216) 252-7463 with information regarding the girl's disappearance.
NewsChannel5 reported that the suspect was arrested Thursday night in the area of East 110th and Union. It is the same neighborhood where Shakira Johnson, 11, disappeared nearly three weeks ago. Police said the man, who was driving a red car, allegedly tried to lure the two kids. They both ran into a nearby convenience store for help and then called their cousin. With the help of neighbors, Marlon Allen made sure the suspect was not going anywhere. "We just took his keys out (of) his car and didn't let him go nowhere and surrounded the car," he said. "And once we got out there and everybody figured out what was going on, everybody (was) like, 'He ain't going nowhere.'"Allen then blocked the suspect's car with his car. Officials were called to the scene and the man was arrested. Police said that swift action on the part of the two children kept them out of danger. "He was drunk," the store owner said. "Two kids came in saying he said something fresh to them. By the time I went outside, there was about 30 guys surrounding his car and blocked his car until police came." | Video |
Previous Stories:
- October 2, 2003: Missing Girl's Mom Can't Think Of Anyone Who Would Take Her
- September 29, 2003: When Should Amber Alert Be Issued?
- September 26, 2003: Police Search Whiskey Island For Clues To Missing Girl
- September 25, 2003: Missing-Girl Investigators Search Homes, Tow Man's Car
- September 24, 2003: Missing Girl's Mother Takes Lie Detector Test
- September 24, 2003: Missing Child Organization To Launch Telephone Alerts
- September 23, 2003: Local Missing Girl's Case Goes National
- September 22, 2003: 20 Officers, 20 FBI Agents Search For Missing Girl
- September 21, 2003: Family Says Rumors About 11-Year-Old's Death Are Untrue
- September 19, 2003: Mayor To Examine Arrests Of Men Looking For Missing Girl
- September 18, 2003: Men Accused Of Forcing Way Into Home
- September 17, 2003: Resident Says Men Searching For Girl Barged Into Home
- September 16, 2003: Missing 11-Year-Old Last Seen Wearing Jeans, T-Shirt
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