Gainesville, FL - A 25-year-old man has been arrested after he attempted to kidnap a 17-year-old girl from a Florida park.
Gainesville Police arrested the suspect, identified as Val Adam Canton, after Canton allegedly attempted to kidnap a 17-year-old girl at Depot Park on Friday.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when Canton approached the girl, who was alone, and proceeded to make disturbing threats of abduction, assault, and murder.
Canton then dragged the girl to a nearby tree and forcibly kissed her without consent.
Officers say Canton then led the teen to the Pop-a-Top store, insisting to buy the girl a “drink”.
However, after seeing that the store was closed, Canton pulled the girl to a nearby tree and kissed her on the lips without consent again.
Fortunately, the victim managed to contact a nearby friend who arrived at the scene with his father, causing Canton to flee.
The father was able to obtain Canton's license plate number and reported it to law enforcement.
Both the victim and witness positively identified Canton from a photo lineup.
The Gainesville Police Department has charged Canton with attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, and child abuse without causing severe bodily harm.