A man has been taken into custody in relation to an alleged incident of attempted sexual assault on a 5-year-old child at a park in South Yarmouth on Tuesday night, according to the authorities.
A man named Ryan Evans from South Yarmouth was apprehended for reportedly enticing a child to a secluded area near the restrooms during a soccer game at Peter Homer Park. According to the Yarmouth Police Department, Evans was scared away when the child let out a loud scream. According to witnesses, he was spotted departing on an electric bicycle.
At around 8 p.m., officers arrived at the scene, and emergency crews assessed the child for injuries, according to the police. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the surrounding areas, including nearby neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and bicycle paths, in their efforts to locate Evans.
Yarmouth police stated that during their routine area checks, they started receiving tips from social media.
Police deployed plain-clothed officers and multiple bicycle patrol units on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
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Evans was pulled over and arrested by the police on Wednesday, shortly before 7 p.m. as reported by WHDH News.
According to the police, Yarmouth officers have had previous interactions with Evans and are familiar with him. In 2021, Evans faced charges related to burglary, assault, assault with intent to rape a child, assault and battery, and property damage and theft.
Evans is scheduled to appear in Barnstable District Court for arraignment on Thursday.