Man arrested for attempting to kidnap child riding bike to school
The Jones Police Department is investigating an attempted child abduction after a little girl was nearly taken on her way to school.
JONES, Okla. (KFOR) — The Jones Police Department is investigating an attempted child abduction after a little girl was nearly taken on her way to school.
Officers said the young girl was riding her bike along Montana Street when 24-year-old Eli Underwood pulled up right next to her.
Underwood claimed to know the child's mother and told her to get in his truck. The girl did not comply and police were called when she told a school resource officer about what happened.
"It is scary," said Renee Warren, who lives nearby. "Times have changed tremendously."
Warren said she sees kids walking to school everyday, including her own grandchildren.
"They either ride their bikes or they ride scooters or they walk every day," said Warren.
The elementary school was placed on a soft lockdown and the Jones Superintendent sent News 4 the following statement,
Jones School District experienced a concerning incident this morning involving an attempted abduction of one of our elementary students who was riding her bike to school. Thanks to the prompt and decisive actions of our school administrators and Jones Police Department, the suspect was swiftly apprehended. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts and quick response that helped resolve this situation without further incident.
In response to this incident and to enhance the safety measures at our school, we will be implementing additional measures that extend beyond school grounds.
The safety and security are of utmost importance at Jones Public Schools and we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard our students.
Shawn Blankenship, Superintendent of Jones Public Schools
Underwood was later arrested and booked on charges of attempted kidnapping.
Warren said she is relieved to hear that the child was found safe, but is also prepared to be vigilant about her grandchildren's safety.
"We all watch out for each other's kids," said Warren. "Somebody will be following the ones that ride their bikes to and from school every day."