A close call for a 15-year-old Lake Charles girl, as she escapes a would-be kidnapper at a bus stop. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Brenda Treadway says it happened at around 6:30 yesterday morning.
“A gentleman arrived at her location, rolled down the window, and asked her if she needed to ride, she advised him ‘No.’ He drove away. A short time later, she kept seeing the same vehicle drive by her,” Treadway said.
Treadway says around the third or fourth time he passed by her, 35-year-old Dustin Frederick stopped, got out, approached her, grabbed her and told her that she needed a ride. But Treadway says the girl was having none of that.
“The 15-year-old victim struck him in the face at least one time. And this caused him to release her. She fled, and then he got back into the vehicle, and he fled the scene,” Treadway said.
Video evidence near the scene helped police identify Frederick and take him into custody. He’s charged with one count of attempted kidnapping, and he’s behind bars on $1 million bond. Treadway says this should serve as a stark reminder that kids need to be vigilant at all times while waiting for the school bus.
“We hope that they’re not distracted by cellphones or laptops, but we ask kids, just be alert and be cautious. And if you see something, say something. If something doesn’t feel right, then leave the area. Go back home,” Treadway advised.
