Eustis Police: Kidnapping suspect found, facing multiple charges for attempted abduction of girl

Man arrested in Lake County after alleged attempted abduction of teen

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Lake County after police say he attempted to abduct a teenage girl in Eustis, an incident that was reported to authorities through an anonymous tip.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Lake County after police say he attempted to abduct a teenage girl in Eustis.

Investigators said the arrest was made possible through an anonymous tip.

What we know:

Gregory Dewayne Lockwood was apprehended around 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 6, after Eustis Police reported they were looking for a suspect wanted in connection to a possible abduction that took place on Jan. 3. 

Police said a driver in a vehicle approached a 17-year-old girl walking in the area of East Pinehurst Boulevard and South Grove Street in Eustis, asking for a good place to get drinks. The driver then invited the pedestrian – whose age has not been released – to get in the car with them – offering ger $300, police said. 

When the teenager said no, the driver got angry, pulled her arm from the driver's side window – trying to get them to get into the car, police said. The girl broke free, uninjured, and ran for help, the department said. The driver left. 

Police said they later identified the suspect as Lockwood, after investigators received information from someone who recognized his white SUV. 

The Eustis Police Department released images of a suspect's vehicle in connection to a possible attempted abduction on Jan. 3, 2025. 

Officers said they located Lockwood at his home, obtained a photo of him and showed it to the 17-year-old girl, who identified him as the man involved.

Gregory Lockwood, 5,5, was charged with attempted kidnapping and battery on a minor.

The other side:

Lockwood denied the allegations as he was led away in handcuffs, telling reporters he did not attempt to abduct the girl. Police said he later told investigators he asked the teen if she wanted to get a drink and apologized after learning she was underage.

Police said the teen was not injured and credited quick reporting and public tips for helping lead to an arrest within three days.

Lockwood faces charges of attempted kidnapping and battery on a minor. 

In a court appearance Wednesday, a judge set Lockwood's bail at $500,000 for the first count and $1,000 for the second one. 

His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2.