Pinellas County deputies say they have arrested a man who attempted to kidnap an 8-year-old in Dunedin on Friday. The suspect's father, however, says it's all a big misunderstanding.
Jef Stephen Mills, 53, has been charged with luring or enticing a child and two counts of simple battery.
About 2:55 p.m. Friday, the 8-year-old boy was walking from his bus stop, northbound on Colony Drive, when a man drove up next to him.
Deputies said the suspect told the child, "I work with your dad and he wants me to pick you up." The victim did not recognize the suspect and kept walking northbound.
The suspect stopped his vehicle and got out, possibly attempting to grab the victim. The victim ran home and told his parents, who then notified law enforcement.
Deputies said they got information that Mills had hugged two 12-year-old boys without their permission near the intersection of Lakewood Drive and Dogwood Drive in Dunedin about 5 p.m. Friday
Once in custody, detectives interviewed Mills, who admitted to making contact with and hugging the 12-year-old boys. They say he also admitted to talking to the 8-year-old boy, but denied telling the boy that he knew his father and that he was told to pick him up. Mills also denied getting out of his vehicle.
Mills' father, Ed Mills, says he was with his son when the encounter with the 8-year-old boy took place. He says Mills was only trying to offer the boy a new backpack, having seen the child struggle with the one he was carrying.
Mills' mother says he hugged the 12-year-old boys to be friendly. She said he is bipolar and has been in a manic state lately. She said he has been Baker Acted in the past.
The investigation is continuing.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
