Sexual Predator Who Kidnapped 8-Year-Old At Play In OC Arrested, Police Say

WESTMINSTER, CA — A 19-year-old man was arrested after he grabbed an 8-year-old boy playing with a friend in Orange County, police announced Tuesday.

Anthony Enrique Gonzalez was booked on suspicion of kidnapping, kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual act, lewd or lascivious act with a minor, lewd or lascivious act with a minor by means of force, and child annoyance, according to the Westminster Police Department.

The child was playing in the 13500 block of Edwards Street on Saturday when the suspect snatched the child and "dragged" him to a place "with less people," according to a statement released by the Westminster Police Department.

Police said Gonzalez then had "inappropriate and unlawful contact" with the child.

The boy was able to get away and run home, authorities said.

Police arrested Gonzalez on Monday.

No further information was immediately available.

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