SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Police Department officers arrested a Sarasota man accused of attempting to lure two young girls into his truck Monday evening.
According to investigators, 67-year-old Edward O’Neil Jr. of Sarasota is charged with two counts of attempting to lure or entice a child under the age of 14, both third-degree felonies.
Police said the incident happened around 6 p.m. as two girls, ages 12 and 13, were riding bicycles on the sidewalk along Bay Road near the intersection with U.S. 41.
Investigators said O’Neil was driving a black Dodge Ram pickup truck in the left-turn lane on Bay Road when he told the girls he could give them a free ride and suggested they place their bicycles in the back of his truck.
According to police, O’Neil opened the driver’s door but did not exit the vehicle.
Authorities said after the traffic light changed, O’Neil turned onto U.S. 41, drove through a nearby plaza parking lot, and again offered the girls a ride.
Two witnesses later told officers they heard O’Neil tell the girls to “put your bikes in the back.”
Police said the witnesses confronted O’Neil and warned him they would call 911.
Investigators said O’Neil then moved his truck closer to the girls and opened his driver’s door again before eventually driving north on U.S. 41. Police said he later stopped once more across the street from the girls.
An arrest warrant was later issued, and O’Neil was taken into custody during a traffic stop Monday night, May 18th.
He is currently being held without bond at the Sarasota County Jail.
Detective Angela Cox is investigating the case.
If you or someone you know may have any information regarding this case, you’re asked to call Sarasota Police Department Detective Angela Cox at Angela.Cox@SarasotaFL.gov or call 941-263-6075. You can also remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).