A Powell County man is accused of attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl at a Stanton grocery store.
Eugene Rauch, 67, of Stanton faces one charge of attempted kidnapping of a minor. Police say he grabbed the girl by the arm Tuesday at Save-A-Lot.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Stanton police were called to Save-A-Lot just before 6 p.m., according to an arrest citation.
A girl told police a man, later identified as Rauch, grabbed her arm and said, “You’re coming with me,” according to the citation. Rauch then attempted to pull her through the front door. The girl said that a sign fell onto the ground from underneath the display table as she tried to get away. The disturbance caused Rauch to let go of the girl.
Stanton police asked the public for help identifying the man in a Facebook post. According to the citation, Rauch called the department after seeing the post, requesting to speak with police and explain his side of the story.
According to the citation, Rauch told police he thought the girl was his granddaughter. He said he realized she was not, spoke with her, and apologized. He said he did not touch her.
Police said surveillance video from Save-A-Lot does not match Rauch’s story, according to the citation. The citation says the video shows Rauch grabbing the girl and pulling her toward the door.
Rauch was arrested late Tuesday night.
