ORLANDO, FL An Illinois man is behind bars in Florida accused of trying to kidnap a young girl at a theme park.
Twenty-three-year-old Jason Mikel faced a judge Monday afternoon accused of trying to kidnap a nine-year-old girl on Sunday at Universal’s Harry Potter attraction.
The victim’s mother said she lost sight of her daughter for a moment. Police say that’s when Mikel allegedly tried to kidnap the girl as she stood in the locker area of a popular ride.
According to police Mikel “touched her on the shoulders” then told the girl to go outside because “her mother was outside.”
According to the arrest affidavit, the girl “got scared,” broke free from Mikel and ran to her mother.
That’s when police say Mikel ran away. A witness was able to describe the suspect to security. Authorities found and arrested the 23-year-old at Hogwarts Express.
Jason Mikel is facing charges of kidnapping, battery, and possession of marijuana.
