A 27-year-old man was arrested Friday after officials said he tried to grab a 15-year-old girl with the intent of having a sexual encounter with her.

  • Officials: Man tried to kidnap teen for sexual encounter 
  • Michael Horton charge in incident
  • Horton offered girl $100 for sexual favors, officials say
  • Girl able to get away after Horton grabbed her

The incident happened along South Arleen Avenue in Citrus County Friday evening.

Michael Horton, 27, of Inverness was charged with lewd/lascivious, kidnapping with intent to commit/commission any felony, and attempt to commit an offense prohibited by law.

Citrus deputies said Horton stopped his vehicle at the intersection of South Arleen Ave. and East Glenn Street to talk the teen walking along the road.

The victim said Horton got of his vehicle and started to talk provocatively to her and offered to pay her $100 for sexual favors.

When the girl refused, officials said Horton grabbed her arm and tried to pull her towards his vehicle.

The victim was able to break free from Horton’s grasp and ran to a friend’s house for help.

Horton’s bond is set at $10,000. Officials said Horton had a prior arrest for exposure in 2016.