Leesburg man arrested, accused of luring 9-year-old boy

Police say 56-year-old man has criminal history dating back to 1970s

LEESBURG, Fla. – Police arrested and charged a Leesburg man on Saturday accused of luring a 9-year-old boy.

The Groveland Police Department said they received a complaint that a suspicious person was in the area of Lake David trying to pick up children. Officers responded to the area and were initially unable to locate the man.

Later in the day, police said Groveland officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on it, at which time officers identified the driver as 56-year-old Kyle David Richard of Leesburg.

Shortly thereafter, officers learned that Richard had in fact picked up a 9-year-old boy earlier and had dropped him off at a home prior to the traffic stop, according to police.

Upon speaking with the child, he told detectives that Richard asked him to get into his car and the two rode to Richard's home in Leesburg.

Police said the boy stated that upon arrival, Richard went into his home while he remained in the car. The boy said the two returned to the Groveland area afterwards.

Groveland Police Department placed Richard in custody and requested the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff's Office in investigating the situation, since police said he resides in Leesburg.

Police said detectives have learned that Richard has a criminal history dating back to the 1970's and 1980's that includes arrests for kidnapping, luring or enticing and other crimes.

Richard admitted to detectives that he has recently been considering kidnapping again, according to police.

Authorities said Richard's vehicle is a silver 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe and he is unemployed.

Groveland police have charged Richard with interference with child custody, false imprisonment, and luring or enticing a child. Police said additional charges may be forthcoming and this investigation is ongoing.

Groveland and sheriff's detectives said they want to learn as much about Richard and his recent whereabouts as possible. Police said a state-wide informational bulletin has been issued for other law enforcement agencies, and detectives are asking for any parents who have children who may have had contact with Richard to contact them.

Police said parents can call the Groveland Police Department at 352-429-4166, or the Sheriff's Office at 352-343-2101.