SARASOTA, FL — A 67-year-old Sarasota man was arrested for trying to lure two girls, ages 12 and 13, while they were riding bicycles near Bay Road and U.S. 41, on May 16, authorities said.
Edward O’Neil, Jr. was arrested during a Monday traffic stop after a warrant was issued for his arrest, Sarasota police said in a news release.
He faces two third-degree felony charges of attempting to lure or entice a child under the age of 14.
The girls were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk of Bay Road, approaching the intersection of U.S. 41 around 6 p.m., police said.
O’Neil was driving a black Dodge Ram truck in the left turn lane of Bay Road when he told the girls he could give them a free ride and that they could put their bikes in the back of his truck.
He opened the driver’s door, but didn’t get out of the truck, police said.
When the light changed, O’Neil turned left onto U.S. 41 and drove back through the plaza parking lot.
He again offered the girls a ride, and two witnesses told officers they heard O’Neil say, “Put your bikes in the back.”
After witnesses told O’Neil they would call 911, he then moved into the lane closest to the girls and opened his door again. As the light turned green, he drove north on U.S. 41 before stopping again across the street from the girls, according to police.
O’Neil is being held at the Sarasota County Jail on no bond.
Sarasota police are asking anyone who may have information about the case to contact Detective Angela Cox at Angela.Cox@SarasotaFL.gov or 941-263-6075.
People who want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
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