South Florida

Man Tried to Lure Young Kids With Candy: Deputies

A South Florida man who tried to lure two young kids by offering them candy has been arrested, authorities said.

Damian Fletcher, 32, is facing two counts of attempting to lure or entice a child under age 12 following his arrest in West Park Saturday.

Fletcher was being held on $150,000 bond Monday. It was unknown if he has an attorney.

According to an arrest report, Fletcher approached two kids, ages 9 and 11, at the Carver Ranches Branch Library in the 4700 block of Southwest 18th Street.

The kids later said Fletcher approached them, offering candy if they got on a bus with him.

"'Hey, would you like some candy? Come with me on the bus, and we will go get candy together, and then I can take you places, come on,'" he said, according to the kids. "'I want to give you a hug, come here and give me a hug.'"

The kids said they didn't know the man. Officials with the Broward Sheriff's Office said Fletcher might have mental issues, but that offered little comfort to parents who frequent the library and live in the neighborhood.

"Anyone who's plotting on kids, they need to be under the ground," Leroy Brown said. "That's what I say about him. Throw away the key, case closed."

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