SEBASTIAN — A 70-year-old Sebastian man was jailed after police said he tried to lure two juveniles into his van with a ruse that he needed to use their cell phones, reports show. The man – identified as Charles Henry Hooss – also offered marijuana to the minors – both girls ages 13 and 14, police said.
The incident occurred at Schumann Drive Park, a public park and playground.
Charles Henry Hooss PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Hooss was charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping. Hooss was released Monday from the Indian River County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The brother of one child confronted Hooss after he overheard the conversation between the man and the juveniles. The brother argued with Hooss and then dialed 911.
“Charles’ efforts were met with apprehension from (the victims),” police said in a report. “Additionally, Charles was interrupted by the victim’s brother, thereby thwarting Charles’ obvious kidnapping attempt.”
Sebastian police responded to reports of a disturbance about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Schumann Drive Park, located in the 1000 block of Schumann Drive, west of U.S. 1. Dispatchers informed responding officers there was a man cursing at children.
Police arrived and spoke to Hooss, who told them he was having a heart attack, reports show. Officers spoke with the juveniles, who said Hooss arrived at the park earlier and began talking to them.
The juveniles did not know Hooss, according to police.
Hooss wanted the children to look inside his white Chrysler van, reports show. Two other witnesses also told police that Hooss was trying to lure the minors to the waiting van.
Police saw Hooss’ van parked in the parking lot. The van’s driver’s door and rear driver’s door were open, officers said.
Police looked inside the van and saw pre-rolled marijuana cigars, reports show. Officers said the rear seats inside the van were all removed.
Police said they found Hooss’ cell phone on the floor of the rear storage area. Officers confirmed the phone was working when they called the number from the Sebastian Police Department landline phone.
Police arrested Hooss and booked him into the county jail. Hooss has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 20, court records show.
Hooss was ordered to not have any contact with the minors. Hooss was also required to wear a GPS monitoring device and prohibited from returning to Schumann Park, court records show.
