Registered sex offender accused of trying to kidnap children at park

A registered sex offender was arrested after allegedly attempting to abduct to young children at a park in Lake Elsinore.

Marcus DeWitt, 29, of Lake Elsinore was arrested today at Rosetta Canyon Sports Park.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, DeWitt tried to grab a three-year-old boy by the arm. DeWitt was unsuccessful in his attempt as the boy was partially inside playground equipment.

RSO said that DeWitt then picked up a four-year-old boy and tried to flee the area with him. The victim’s parents and other family members were able to catch DeWitt and wrestle the child out of his grasp.

DeWitt then attempted to flee on foot but a family member of the boy was able to subdue him. DeWitt was detained until he was taken into custody by officers.

RSO confirmed that neither child was injured during the incident and both are safe with their families.

DeWitt will be booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on kidnapping charges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Matt Posson of the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 245-3300.