A Central Florida man is currently facing charges of attempted kidnapping and battery on a minor after an encounter with a 17-year-old girl in Eustis. Gregory Dewayne Lockwood, 55, was arrested after he allegedly offered the teenager $300 to get into his car, according to WFTV. Police said that after the girl refused, Lockwood grabbed her arm in an attempt to pull her into the vehicle.
The incident took place near the intersection of East Pinehurst Boulevard and South Grove Street on Saturday afternoon. Surveillance footage from a local store alongside data from a license plate reader assisted in identifying the suspect's white Nissan SUV. Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri, in a press conference accompanied by several detectives and the mayor of Eustis, underscored the gravity of the situation. "Somebody's going to talk somebody against their will, that's a serious problem, and I'll tell you right now it's not happening in my city," he said, as reported by WESH.
Following the encounter, the victim sought refuge in a nearby Eustis Discount Tobacco and Gas store to call her mother for help. She was unharmed and described Lockwood to the authorities, which was instrumental in his apprehension. Lockwood was taken into custody at his Eustis home yesterday without incident.
Currently, Lockwood remains in jail under no bond. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if there have been any previous incidents involving Lockwood.
