POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man has been arrested on charges he tried to abduct a 7-year-old child from a Publix parking lot in Haines City, police said.
Police said Dale Collins approached the girl Sunday at the Publix at 617 Highway 17-92. The girl was in the parking lot for a fundraising gathering, police said.
Collins asked the girl, “Do you want my number to come over?” and asked if she wanted to see his puppy in his motorhome. Adults in the parking lot saw what was happening and yelled at Collins, who then ran off and drove away, police said.
Collins was pulled over a short time later and arrested on charges of luring/enticing a child, police said.
Collins told investigators he never touched the child and it was all a misunderstanding.
Collins last known address was New York, police said. Investigators said if anyone knows of other incidents involving Collins to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or submit a tip online here.
Cox Media Group
