SANFORD, Fla. — The Sanford Police Department is increasing patrols near an apartment complex where a 6-year-old boy said he was undressed by a stranger. The child said he was playing outside when the man took him behind a building and took off his clothes.
Investigators did not quite know what they were dealing with when they first investigated the case on Sunday, but now they have had a chance to speak with the boy in detail and what he told them is disturbing.
A 6-year-old boy living at the Sailpointe Apartments in Sanford ( see map ) says he was disrobed by a man who took him behind one of the buildings in the complex along the shoreline of Lake Monroe.
"Picked him up, carried him around near Building I and apparently took his clothes off, then for whatever reason, the person we're looking for let the child go. He got spooked or scared, I don't really know, but he let the child go and he fled the scene," said Sgt. Dave Morgenstern, Sanford Police.
Police began looking for the man on Sunday, but did not know all the details. At the time, they only knew that the boy was slightly injured in the incident.
Now the boy has given better details of the incident, but has provided little descriptive information. The man is simply described as having dark skin and a white shirt with a picture of a dog on it.
"We don't know what his thoughts are we don't know what his intents were. We would just like if anybody saw anything to give us a call to call Crimeline," said Sgt. Morgenstern.
In the end, police do not believe the boy was sexually assaulted but must assume that was the intent.
Investigators are asking those living in the area to keep a close eye on their kids and surroundings. If anyone sees anything suspicious they should call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.