CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — The Clearwater Police Department said a man was arrested on Friday and charged with kidnapping.
As detailed in an arrest affidavit, Eric Butler, age 43, was observed grabbing a 15-year-old runaway in the parking area of a Circle K at 1501 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., and attempting to drag her away.
The affidavit said the witness saw Butler grabbing the girl by her shoulders and hips, and bear-hugging her while she struggled.
Police officers were sent to the location, and a witness managed to track Butler and the girl to a section of Glen Oaks Park, where authorities mentioned the two had met on several previous occasions.
The witness intervened, and the girl was able to break away from Butler, who ran toward the park, where he was then apprehended by law enforcement.
The affidavit states that the victim informed officers that Butler had offered her drugs earlier that day and had previously attempted to engage in inappropriate sexual activities with her.
The victim told officers that Butler appeared to be under the influence of narcotics and was physically aggressive with her.
The Clearwater Police Department arrested Butler, and he was taken and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
He is charged with kidnapping, as well as possession of cocaine and paraphernalia, exposure of sexual organs, and resisting arrest.
