Man Arrested in Attempted Abduction of 14-Year-Old Girl at Willow Grove Park Mall: Police
ABINGTON, Pa. – A man has been arrested less than 24 hours after allegedly attempting to abduct a teenage girl at Willow Grove Mall in Pennsylvania.
Khalilh Evans, 44, is accused of approaching a 14-year-old girl near the escalators at Willow Grove Mall on Wednesday night and forcibly trying to lead her across the mall. The incident occurred around 7 p.m.
According to investigators, Evans contacted his attorney in Media, Delaware County, and arranged to turn himself in on Thursday. Police believe Evans may have attempted similar crimes with other young women.
Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy expressed concern over the incident, stating, “This is the type of crime where the hair on your back stands up. Only God knows what their intentions were, we can only assume the worst.”
During a press conference, Chief Molloy held up Evans’ 28-page rap sheet, which includes charges for weapons, assault, and threats. The police are investigating Evans’ background further.
The 14-year-old victim encountered Evans and another man near the escalators at Willow Grove Mall. Evans introduced himself as Alex and extended his arm as if to escort her. When the teen informed the men that she was underage, Evans allegedly grabbed her and pinned her arm underneath his. However, the girl managed to escape and yell for help, prompting several bystanders to intervene.
Police have shared photos of the two men involved in the incident, leading other young women who claim to have been approached by them to come forward. The second man’s involvement is still being investigated, and he is not currently facing charges.
Chief Molloy criticized the policies in Philadelphia, stating, “He’s coming to Montgomery County now, I think some of the failed policies in Philadelphia with the District Attorney’s Office where it’s somewhat of a revolving door where dangerous felons are let back on the street to prey upon our children.”
Evans is now in custody and will face charges related to the attempted abduction. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Abington Township Police.
How has the suspect’s criminal past influenced the investigation into the attempted abduction case
Title: Arrest Made in Terrifying Attempted Abduction at Willow Grove Park Mall, Suspect with Disturbing Criminal Past Apprehended
ABINGTON, Pa. – In a swift response by authorities, a suspect has been apprehended less than 24 hours after allegedly trying to abduct a 14-year-old girl at Willow Grove Mall in Pennsylvania.
The accused, 44-year-old Khalilh Evans, reportedly approached the teenager near the mall’s escalators on Wednesday evening and forcefully attempted to lead her across the shopping center. The alarming incident took place around 7 p.m.
Investigators unveiled that Evans contacted his attorney in Media, Delaware County, and orchestrated his surrender on Thursday. Law enforcement suspects that Evans may have targeted other young women through similar means.
Expressing deep concern, Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy shared, “This is the type of crime where the hair on your back stands up. Only God knows what their intentions were, we can only assume the worst.”
During a press conference, Chief Molloy held up Evans’ extensive 28-page rap sheet, which includes charges for weapons, assault, and threats. Further scrutiny into Evans’ background is currently underway.
According to reports, the 14-year-old victim encountered Evans and an unidentified man near the mall’s escalators. Posing as “Alex,” Evans extended his arm as if offering to escort her. When the young girl revealed her underage status, Evans allegedly grabbed her and forcibly held her arm. However, the brave teenager managed to break free, raising the alarm and attracting the attention of several nearby bystanders who promptly intervened.
Authorities have released photographs of both individuals involved in the unsettling incident, leading other young women who may have been targeted by them to step forward. While the involvement of the second man is still under investigation, he has not yet been charged.
Expressing frustration, Chief Molloy criticized the prevailing policies in Philadelphia, remarking, “He’s coming to Montgomery County now, I think some of the failed policies in Philadelphia with the District Attorney’s Office where it’s somewhat of a revolving door where dangerous felons are let back on the street to prey upon our children.”
Evans is currently in custody and will face charges relating to the attempted abduction. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to promptly contact the Abington Township Police.