Crime & Safety
GCPD Identify Suspect in Alleged Bay Creek Park Abduction Attempt
GCPD said a 40-year-old Lawrenceville man was arrested in connection with an alleged abduction attempt at Bay Creek Park in Loganville, Ga. on Monday evening.
Please note an arrest does not constitute a conviction. The suspect has been charged with, but not convicted of, the charges.
According to Gwinnett County Police, Jean Souffrant, 40, of Lawrenceville, was arrested on Sept. 17, 2017 and charged with one count of kidnapping in connection with an attempted child abduction.
In a press release, a spokesman for GCPD said officers from the East Precinct responded to a call for a suspicious person at Bay Creek Park in Loganville.
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"Information given by the caller explained that a black male approximately 5’11”, wearing a white t-shirt, blue shorts, glasses and flip flops was acting strange, approaching children at a football practice and trying to get them to leave with him," Detective J.R. Flanagan wrote in a press release. "According to the caller, the suspicious male tried to leave with two separate juveniles; both of which were able to get away from the male and were safe with the 911 caller."
Flanagan said officers identified Souffrant when they arrived at the park and although he denied talking to any children, he was unable to provide any legitimate reason for being at the park.
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"In speaking with officers, Souffrant was unable to speak clearly and his explanations changed several times while being interviewed," Flanagan said.
Flanagan said that after speaking with several witnesses and the two children whom Souffrant approached, they determined that Souffrant approached one juvenile at the concession stand, grabbing him and dragging him against his will towards the bleachers next to one of the field entrances.
"When approached by a concerned parent, Souffrant released the juvenile and told him to leave. The juvenile involved stated that he was afraid of what Souffrant might have done," Flanagan said in the release.
Souffrants was arrested and charged with one count of kidnapping as a result, Flanagan said. It is not known at this time if the suspect was under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. He is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond.
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