Sex Offender Attempts to Kidnap Boys Playing at a Lake Elsinore Park

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LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – A registered sex offender was arrested on Monday after attempting to kidnap two children from a Lake Elsinore Park.

At around 11:30 a.m., the suspect attempted to abduct two small boys from the play area at the Rosetta Canyon Sports Park. Authorities said that the kids were at the park with parents and other family members when 29-year-old Marcus DeWitt, a Lake Elsinore resident, attempted to grab a 3-year-old boy by his arm. The child was partially inside a play apparatus, which made DeWitt unable to gain access to him. DeWitt then picked up a 4-year-old boy and attempted to flee the area with him. “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,” Lake Elsinore Police officials said. “DeWitt attempted to flee on foot but was subdued by a family member of the victim.”

DeWitt was detained until officers arrived and took him into custody. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Both children are safe and with their families. DeWitt was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Charges for Kidnapping charges. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Matt Posson of the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 245-3300.