A 29-year-old man, John Moore, has been taken into custody on suspicion of an attempted abduction that involved a minor under the age of 16. The incident occurred in Kentwood, Michigan, on May 12. Moore allegedly approached a 14-year-old girl in his black SUV as she was walking home from school around 6 pm. Surveillance footage shows Moore parking his vehicle near the girl, then swiftly attempting to grab her. The girl reported that Moore told her, “I got you,” during the encounter. A physical struggle ensued, but the teenager managed to break free and escape safely.
Following the incident, Moore fled the scene but was later apprehended. Authorities linked him to another assault that occurred on the same day in the same area. A 66-year-old woman reported being attacked between 5 pm and 6:30 pm on Poinsettia Avenue Southeast. She was gardening when a man assaulted her after pulling up in a vehicle. Moore was identified through CCTV footage and witness statements, leading to his arrest.
Moore is currently held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on a $140,000 bail. He is facing charges of assault and battery, unlawful imprisonment, and two probation violations. Notably, Moore had previously received probation for filming inappropriate videos and engaging in inappropriate physical contact with female shoppers at a grocery store. Despite the allegations, Moore’s public defender described him as kind and gentle, attributing his actions to potential substance abuse issues.
Authorities urge anyone with information on these incidents or similar cases to contact the Kentwood Police Department at (616) 656-6580.