Advertisement

Deputies searching for man who tried to pick up boy at Zephyrhills bus stop

 
The would-be kidnapper is age 30 to 40. 
The would-be kidnapper is age 30 to 40. 
Published March 11, 2015

ZEPHYRHILLS — Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a $3,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification and arrest of a middle-aged man who tried to kidnap a young boy Monday after school, authorities said.

The man was described by the 11-year-old as having dark, slicked-back hair, short facial hair, a tan complexion and medium build, Pasco sheriff's deputies said.

Authorities say the man is 30 to 40 years old and was wearing a black, long-sleeved T-shirt. The boy was dropped off by his school bus around 3:30 p.m. Monday at 23rd Street and Darren Drive in Zephyrhills.

The man approached the boy and tried to entice him inside a dark gray, 2002-2006 Ford Expedition, deputies said. The man told the boy that his parents had asked him to pick the boy up, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said Tuesday. The boy saw through the lie. His parents were not home when he ran indoors. Nocco said he dashed back out moments later to catch the tag number, but the man drove away too quickly.

"There's a brave 11-year-old boy out there, and he did the right thing," said Nocco.

"This person failed once," he said. "Who knows if they're going to try again?"

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the man's identity to call the Sheriff's Office at 1-800-706-2488 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 to be eligible for a cash reward.