Man Accused of Trying to Kidnap Boy in Vernon
Thursday, Oct 4, 2012 | Updated 1:36 PM EDT
Vernon Police
John Harker is accused of trying to kidnap a 5-year-old boy in Vernon Wednesday.
Vernon police have arrested a 49-year-old man accused of grabbing a 5-year-old boy in a park and trying to kidnap him.
Police said John Harker, who is listed as homeless, was drunk in Talcott Park in Vernon and called a 5-year-old boy to come away from the 15-year-old boy he was with.
The 5-year-old told Harker he would not go with him because he is a stranger and the 15-year-old told Harker to leave the child alone, according to police.
Then, according to police, Harker grabbed the 5-year-old’s arm and there was a struggle.
An adult who saw what was happening yelled.
Harker let go and the boys ran off, police said, but then Harker ran after the boys.
After the boys told their parents what happened, the parents reported it to police. Whether the two boys are related is not known.
Harker was arrested on Wednesday and charged with breach of peace in the second degree, criminal attempt at kidnapping in the second degree, risk of injury to child and threatening in the second degree.
He is being held on a $30,000 surety bond and is due in court on Thursday.
No photo of Harker was immediately available.
