Charges Mounting in Attempted Kidnapping in Kinmundy

The charges are mounting in Marion County against a 67-year-old man from Vernon, including aggravated attempted kidnapping and child abduction.

Marion County sheriff's deputies say Ronnie Crawford is accused of holding his arms out and attempting to lure a three-year-old child to his vehicle from the front yard of a home in Kinmundy on Thursday. The investigation indicates the child had gone to the front of the home to get some toys. The child's mother screamed at the man when she saw what was happening and the man fled the scene in his vehicle. The child was apparently never touched in the incident.

Sheriff's deputies later took Crawford into custody when he pulled into the driveway of the address he lists as his home.

Crawford was arrested on the attempted kidnapping and child abduction counts, as well as charges of DUI of drugs and alcohol, unlawful possession of adult use cannabis in a vehicle and illegal transportation of liquor, as well as a count of violating an order of protection.

Crawford's bond was set at $75,000 during a court hearing Friday. He is also to undergo a fitness exam. He is due back in court on September 6.