Man Accused Of Trying To Kidnap 15-Year-Old Girl From FL Gas Station

CLEARWATER, FL — A man was arrested after trying to kidnap a 15-year-old runaway from a Clearwater gas station on Friday night, authorities said.

The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Erik Butler, Fox 13 reported.

He was seen dragging the girl away from the Circle K at 1501 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater police wrote in a Facebook post.

While officers were on their way, bystanders intervened and the girl was able to get away from him.

The suspect left the gas station but was later found nearby and arrested.

He was booked into Pinellas County Jail and charged with kidnapping, possession of cocaine and paraphernalia, exposure of sexual organs, and resisting arrest without violence, police said.

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