The Wichita Police Department (WPD) arrested Manasseh Ward, 21, of Wichita, on charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and other charges. The charges stem from two incidents in East Wichita on Wednesday and Thursday.
At approximately 4:41 p.m. Wednesday, WPD officers responded to an abduction/kidnapping call in the 6600 block of E. Harry. A 911 caller reported their daughter, 13, was walking home from school when an unknown suspect forced her into a vehicle and sexually assaulted her. Investigators transported the victim to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit for further interviews with investigators, and officers and detectives began working to locate the suspect.
At approximately 8:56 a.m. Thursday, WPD officers responded to an abduction report at Clark Elementary School where a girl, 10, and a boy, 7, reported that they were walking to school when they were approached by a stranger who offered them a ride. The suspect released both children, but not before he sexually assaulted the female.
Officers and detectives immediately began working to locate the suspect, and with the help of the young boy, they located him and his vehicle near Harry and Woodlawn. He was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
Ward is being held on a $1,000,000 Bond.
Police search for suspicious character
At approximately 9:49 a.m. on Friday, (WPD) officers were contacted by a mother regarding an incident of concern that occurred on Thursday.
The mother reported that her daughter, 13, was walking to school at approximately 6:30 a.m.
Thursday near Douglas and West street when she was approached by an unknown man in a blue or green sedan attempting to coerce her to get closer to his vehicle.
The girl ignored the man and continued walking, and reported the incident to her mother Thursday night.
WPD investigators are working to identify the suspect in this case, and at this time it is not believed to be connected to the earlier incidents that took place in East Wichita on Wednesday and Thursday.
The school district has been notified, and extra patrols have been assigned to the area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.