The Lake County Sheriff's Office says a girl who reported that a man tried to abduct her at a Lake County bus stop has recanted her account.
The 15-year-old girl told deputies that she'd fought off a man who'd gotten out of a car and approached her Friday morning. The Sheriff's Office then released a composite sketch of the man.
But after interviews, she then said said a young man slowed down and offered her a ride but never got out of his car, and no physical altercation took place, deputies said later Friday.
The Sheriff's Office is no longer looking for the man, and it says the case is now under review for possible charges for filing a false report.
Earlier:
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is trying to identify a man who tried to abduct a girl who was for a school bus.
- Man tried to abduct girl at school bus stop
- Teen told deputies she punched the man in the face
- Anyone with info, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS
According to deputies, the 15-year-old girl was walking to the stop on South Bloxam Avenue and East Washington Street on Thursday in Minneola.
At 6:15 a.m., a white man in a gray or blue Honda asked the teen if she needed a ride, deputies said.
When she said no, the driver got out of the vehicle and approached her, deputies said.
The teen told investigators that she punched the man in the face and kneed him in the groin area.
The man got back into his vehicle and left, deputies said.
According to deputies, the teen reported the incident to one of her teachers at Lake Minneola High School.
The teen met with investigators and was able to provide enough information for a composite sketch.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.