Sarasota, Fla. — Edward O’Neil, Jr., 67, of Sarasota, was arrested on two third-degree felony charges of attempting to lure or entice a child under the age of 14, according to the Sarasota Police Department. The two girls were 12 and 13 years old.

The incident occurred as the girls were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk of Bay Road near the intersection with U.S. 41, at about 6 p.m. O’Neil was driving a black Dodge Ram pickup in the left-turn lane on Bay Road and told the girls he could give them a free ride and that they could put their bikes in the back of his truck. He opened the driver’s door but did not exit the vehicle.

When the light changed, O’Neil turned left onto U.S. 41 and drove back through a plaza parking lot. He again offered the girls a ride in his truck, and two witnesses told officers they heard him say, “put your bikes in the back.” The witnesses told O’Neil they would call 911. He moved to the lane closest to the girls and opened his door again. As the light turned green, he drove north on U.S. 41 and paused again across the street from the girls.

O’Neil was arrested during a traffic stop on Monday night, May 18, after an arrest warrant was issued for attempting to lure the girls. He is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.

If you or someone you know may have any information regarding this case, call Sarasota Police Department Detective Angela Cox at Angela.Cox@SarasotaFL.gov or 941-263-6075. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).