Disturbing footage shows an Arizona man attempting to snatch a teenage girl as she walked to school last week, police said.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the suspect, Joseph Lewis, 37, was charged with attempted kidnapping and interference with custody. The Glendale Police Department said the incident occurred Friday morning.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 10, Lewis lived in the same apartment complex as the victim. The 11-year-old girl told police she passed the boy that morning near her apartment.
The footage showed the suspect driving down the road and making a U-turn onto the side of the road where the victim was walking. After parking on the side of the road, the suspect jumped out to grab the girl, but she ran past him.
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The 11-year-old girl told police she passed the boy near her apartment that morning. (Glendale Police Department)
The suspect soon gave up pursuit and returned to his vehicle.
Lewis was arraigned in court on Monday, with prosecutors claiming he has a “history of violence.” He reportedly stabbed his mother in the neck in the past and was still living in an apartment complex with his mother as of Friday.
“The state is concerned that he is at risk of violence because he was convicted of aggravated assault, a third-degree dangerous felony, after he stabbed his mother in the neck, causing very serious injuries. “, the prosecutor argued. To FOX10.
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The suspect, Joseph Lewis, was charged with attempted kidnapping and obstruction of custody. (Glendale Police Department)
According to court documents, Lewis’ mother said her son was acting strange on the day of the incident. She allegedly stated that she had tried to kiss her underage cousin in the past.
Washington Elementary School District Public Relations Director Pam Horton on Friday alerted local parents to the alarming incident.
“Police have reported that they have a person of interest in custody,” Horton said. “While this is good news, the Glendale Police Department will continue to increase its presence in the community next week. We are very grateful for their quick response and assistance.”
Lewis is accused of trying to kidnap the girl while she was on her way to school. (Glendale Police Department)
Mr. Lewis was transported to the jail, where he is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Washington Elementary School District for comment.
