1000 x 90

Man Charged With Abduction of Child After Luring 5-Year-Old Girl into Michael’s Bathroom Saturday

Grubb
Grubb

Dec. 14, 2014. On Dec. 13, 2014, at about 11 a.m., Boone Police responded to an abduction of a child at Michael’s, 320 Watauga Village Drive.

While shopping inside Michael’s, a family realized their 5-year-old daughter was no longer standing with them.

After searching for her, the family finally found her inside the store.

It was discovered that the child had been lured into the bathroom by a person later identified as, William Francis Grubb, 19, of Hopewell Church Road in Boone.

Grubb left the store prior to police arrival but was quickly located nearby by first arriving officers.

Investigators believe there may be other situations in which Grubb has lured children away from their parents in an attempt to gain sexual gratification.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Boone Police Department at 828-268-6900 and speak with Sergeant Osborne.

Grubb has been charged with the following crimes:

  • One Count – Felony Abduction of a Child
  • One Count – Felony Indecent Liberties with a MinorOne Count – Felony KidnappingOne Count – Felony Indecent Exposure

“We appreciate the rapid response and assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations in this case,” said Boone Police Lieutenant Chris Hatton.

“This is the type of thing that every parent fears. I’m grateful for the quick actions of our officers in the apprehension of this person. Our officers and detectives will continue to investigate this matter. The Child Advocacy Center did, and will be, assisting in the investigation and assessing the needs of the child and her family,” said Boone Police  Captain Andy LeBeau.

Grubb was taken before a Watauga County Magistrate where he was ordered held without bond pending a Dec. 15, 2014, appearance in Watauga District Court. Grubb is being housed in the Watauga County Detention Center.