Police: New Smyrna Beach man arrested after trying to kidnap boy at McDonald's

A Volusia County man is out on bond after police said he tried to abduct a 12-year-old boy Friday night from a McDonald's parking lot.

The boy’s father was in his car waiting for his son to leave the restaurant’s restroom.

The father told police that a man, later identified as Robert Sawyer, 54, tried to open the car door while he was waiting, but it was locked, and the man walked away.

When the victim walked out of McDonald’s and got into the car, police said Sawyer grabbed the boy and tried to pull him away from the vehicle.

Police said the boy’s father grabbed Sawyer and tried to get him off his son.

An off-duty Daytona Beach police officer waiting in the drive-thru for his food heard the boy screaming, saw what was happening and tackled Sawyer, police said.

The officer held down the suspect until police arrived.

The boy is OK, police said.

Police said they found a pipe on Sawyer that tested positive for cocaine.

Sawyer is charged with kidnapping and drug possession.

Follow reporter Mike Springer on Twitter for updates and watch his full report on Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. 

Cox Media Group