Registered Yuma sex offender suspect in attempted boy abduction - | News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ & CA

UPDATE: Yuma sex offender cleared in attempted boy abduction, suspect on the loose

YUMA, AZ- Police are looking for a man in connection to an attempted child abduction.

The Yuma Police Department says a 12 year old boy was walking to school when a male came up from behind, called to him and then grabbed him. It happened Thursday around 7:35 am 2000 Block of South Avenue A.

YPD says the boy fought the suspect and was able to escape. He ran to the Circle K on Avenue A, where his family was then notified and called police. The victim did receive minor injuries.

Initially, police believed the suspect to be 19 year old Jason Riddle, who is a registered sex offender. Officers located him in the 200 block West 5^th Street around 1 pm.  Riddle was interviewed about the investigation, but cleared of involvement.  

However, Riddle had an outstanding felony warrant for failing to register as a sex offender.  He will be booked into the Yuma County Detention Center.

YPD urges the public to be vigilant and report anyone suspicious matching the description below. 

• White male
• Teen to young adult
• Approximately 6'1" and 210 lbs
• Short Brown hair & Brown eyes
• A tattoo and or scar on his face. 
• Last seen wearing a long sleeve black shirt, and black shorts, and red and white shoes.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or Sgt. Ron Rodriguez at (928) 210-4451 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous.