Man arrested for attempted kidnapping at Springfield's Washington Park

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A Springfield man was arrested Wednesday for an attempted kidnapping at Washington Park in Springfield, according to the Springfield Park District.

The Park District posted on Facebook that the Springfield Park District police officers responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping of a female juvenile at the park.

Park District officers began an investigation and a search for the suspect based on the information provided by the victim. It's not clear how the attempted kidnapping happened or where specifically in the park.

Police eventually identified and arrested Vontrez Haynes, 24, of Springfield, shortly after 3 p.m. on Barberry Drive near Chatham Road. That is about a mile south of the park.

Police said Haynes was also wanted in connection with an "unrelated retail theft incident" that happened shortly before his arrest. Details about the theft have not been released.

Haynes is currently in custody at the Sangamon County Jail on charges of unlawful restraint, aggravated battery of a juvenile, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and disorderly conduct.