Sex Offender Tackled By Bystanders After Allegedly Trying To Kidnap Toddlers From Park

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Police arrested a registered sex offender last Monday morning for allegedly trying to kidnap two toddlers from a California park.

After the suspect reportedly tried to run off with a four-year-old, the child’s family chased him down, and bystanders helped hold the accused man for authorities.

According to law enforcement, 29-year-old registered sex offender Marcus DeWitt approached the two kids in a play area of the Rosetta Canyon Sports Park.

DeWitt allegedly grabbed the arm of a three-year-old boy on a playground apparatus, but the toddler was able to break free. Next, DeWitt is accused of picking up a four-year-old boy and attempting to carry him off.

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station issued a press release stating: "The victim’s parents and other family members observed the abduction, and were able to catch DeWitt and wrestle the child out of his grasp. DeWitt attempted to flee on foot, but was subdued by a family member of the victim. Additional witnesses and family members detained DeWitt until officers arrived and took him into custody without further incident."

Officers then booked DeWitt into Cois Byrd Detention Center on kidnapping charges.

Police say neither of the children was injured in the incident, and they are both back in the safe care of their families.

Read more: KCCI, ABC7, Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Facebook