Four children safe after attempted abduction

On July 1, four children between the ages of 4 and 12 were playing on the 700 block of 4th Street NW in Clarion when they were approached by a man who tried to entice them into a car. One child called for her mother, who called the police. The man fled when a nearby patrol car appeared on the scene.

The suspect, 19-year-old Victor Gomez, was arrested within an hour of the incident, but later posted bond and disappeared. Gomez’s charges include enticing a minor, trespassing and interfering with official acts.

Shayne Hennigar, Clarion police officer on the case, said, “From what we gathered, [Gomez] was somewhat new to that area. Nobody really knew who he was.”

Police patrols have been stepped up around Clarion’s parks and the Aquatic Center. So far, there have been no signs of Gomez.

“It’s a scary time for Clarion because we’ve never had an attempted abduction like this,” Hennigar said. “For the kids, make sure they let their parents know where they’re going, and for parents, keep tabs on their kids.”

Hennigar said the police department has been kept busy this summer with more crimes of various kinds to investigate than usual.

For updates on the case, check back weekly in the Wright County Monitor.