SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A man is in jail after he tried to abduct a 10-year-old girl from a park in Wildwood on Friday, according to officials from the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
Kevin Ramsey, 60, of Belleview, was arrested on charges of attempted kidnapping, simple battery and marijuana possession. Deputies said the attempted kidnapping occurred around 5:45 p.m. at Lake Okahumpka Park. Officials said the victim punched Ramsey in the face in order to get away and that she sustained a scratch wound from the incident.
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Authorities said the girl was playing in the park when Ramsey approached her and grabbed her right arm. According to the arrest report, as she pulled away, Ramsey's grip slipped, scratching her. The report states that Ramsey did not let the victim's arm go until she punched him and that he chased after her for a short distance as she ran home.
Officials said they found Ramsey, dressed consistently with how the victim described him, at the park shortly after the incident was reported by the victim's father. Ramsey's car, a tan 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, also matched the description given by the victim, deputies said.
When the victim identified Ramsey in person to authorities, he was arrested. Officials said marijuana was found in his car.
Ramsey told police that he would not answer any questions in reference to "touching a child," according to the arrest report. The report states that authorities did not ask him any questions.
Ramsey is being held at the Sumter County jail on $253,000 bond.
Deputies said they have contacted other agencies in Florida to see if Ramsey fits the description of other similar incidents. They said they have not received similar calls in the area, but are asking anyone with information to contact a detective by calling 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477/