Volusia County, FL - A 56-year-old man was arrested on Saturday for inappropriately touching several children at a Florida Beach.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to New Smyrna Beach in response to a disturbance by the water around 2:20 p.m.
The suspect, identified as John Edington, reportedly engaged in unwelcome physical contact with multiple beachgoers, including two girls aged 8 and 9.
Police say Edington approached a 9-year-old girl along the shoreline while her mother was in the water and "rubbed his hands over her body" before the mother was able to intervene.
A similar incident unfolded with an 8-year-old girl, who revealed that Edington touched her in a similar manner over her bathing suit.
Witnesses told police of additional instances where Edington either approached or physically interacted with others present on the beach that afternoon.
While speaking with police, Edington appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and allegedly claimed to be "just a friendly guy."
However, his demeanor turned belligerent when faced with further questioning.
Edington was taken into custody and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where was charged with two charges of lewd or lascivious behavior.
Each charge comes with a bond set at $20,000.