Police have arrested a man who allegedly tried to force a 13-year-old girl into his van in Hollywood.
Martin Owens, 76, is being held without bond on charges of trying to kidnap a minor, online jail records show.
Hollywood Police said the victim was walking home from the gas station along North 34th Avenue by Farragut Street at about 8:48 p.m. Thursday when Owens, who was driving an older model white work van, approached her slowly from behind. Owens stopped the van and got out from the driver's side, police said.
The victim told police an older man with partially balding gray hair "jumped" out of the rear driver's side door and began "lurking," according to an arrest report. She said she was scared and started to run, but the man chased her and grabbed her from behind, the report said.
The victim said Owens placed both his arms around her in a "bear hug" then started to pull her towards the white van, according to the report. The girl fought him and bit him on the forearm as he was trying to drag her, but he pulled harder, so she started to kick him in the legs and feet, allowing her to break free, the report said.
Detectives located Owens, who is a registered sex offender, Friday around 6:15 p.m. after the victim identified him in a photo line-up, the arrest report said. Officers found Owens at his home and took him into custody, police said. Once in custody, officer saw Owens had a bite mark consistent with the one described by the victim. It is unknown if Owens has an attorney.
Anyone with additional information about Owens is urged to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-HELP (4357) or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).
