PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Parents were on high alert when they first got wind of a reported attempted abduction at a Volusia County school Wednesday, but now deputies are saying it wasn't an abduction attempt, and they don't know what to make of the incident.
Jayzel Hendrieth, 28, was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Jail on a child abuse charge.
Deputies thought the victim and her attacker knew each other and the incident stemmed from an argument the victim had with a relative of the suspect, but they no longer believe that’s the case.
While the motive for the alleged attack is unknown, investigators continue to believe that it wasn’t an attempted abduction.
Investigators said the student was dropped off across the street from Silver Sands Middle School and then crossed the street on her way to school, authorities said.
Witnesses said Hendrieth was carrying a gray backpack when he crossed the street behind the girl. According to witnesses, the man approached the girl from behind, grabbed her in a bear hug and took her to the ground.
Deputies said when Hendrieth grabbed the girl near the bike rack, a school janitor yelled at him, the student escaped and the suspect left the area.
After the initial report, Principal Rose Roland sent this message to parents: "This morning, before school, there was a report of an unknown man who attempted to attack and abduct a student as she walked to school."
"It's scary, very scary. Especially since it's middle school and there's a lot of naïve kids, you know?" a parent said.
“It’s the busy time of the day. A lot of activity, a lot of commotion. Police are sometimes distracted. It’s real busy,” said resident Michael Bussey.
A woman who lives by Hendrieth said she had no idea he could be dangerous.
“He is weird. He’s kind of out there just rambling, walking around,” she said.
The woman did not want to be identified.
Hendrieth recently finished a seven-year sentence on attempted murder charges and was on probation.
He is supposed to be attending mental health counseling under court orders.
Parents in the area said they are relieved he’s back in jail.
“I think more than anything, a message was sent today that that’s not going to be tolerated. Not here,” said a resident, who was not identified.
School leaders said they’re stepping up security even though Hendrieth was caught.
WFTV
