Port Charlotte, FL - A Southwest Florida man was arrested for attempting to lure two children into his vehicle by offering them candy and video games.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) arrested 19-year-old Joseph Cirner on May 5th after Cirner allegedly attempted to lure two children into his vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM while the children were walking home from school near Sunnybrook Rd. and Broadpoint Dr in Charlotte County.
Deputies were dispatched to the area after CCSO received reports that a black pickup truck approached the children and its occupants allegedly offered them candy and video games if they agreed to get inside.
The children escaped from the situation and ran home to inform their parents.
Deputies traced a black GMC Sierra pickup truck to a residence on Marine Terrace.
When deputies knocked on the door, Cirner answered and refused to cooperate when asked about the vehicle's ownership.
Shortly after, the owner of the truck emerged to speak with the deputies.
When asked if he had talked to any children while driving, he turned to Cirner and took a long pause, before claiming that they hadn't spoken to any children, although one of the children recognized Cirner as the one who attempted to lure them.
Cirner was arrested and charged with two counts of luring a child under 12 by someone 18 or older.
He's been released on a $10,000 bond.