It was just another Friday night in Portsmouth… until panic erupted and police swarmed the Sunset Bowling Lanes. Within minutes, a man was in cuffs — accused of trying to lure a child away.
Just after 11 p.m., a chilling call came into dispatch: a man had allegedly attempted to grab a child outside the 17th Street bowling alley. Five Portsmouth Police units rushed to the scene, where they arrested Roberto Vasquez. Officers booked him into the Scioto County Jail on charges of Criminal Child Enticement, Disorderly Conduct – Intoxicated, and Contempt of Court for violating a prior court directive.
Vasquez appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court Monday morning, where the judge ordered he remain in jail under bond until his August 14 pre-trial hearing.
This wasn’t Vasquez’s first brush with the law — he’s racked up three disorderly conduct convictions in the past three years, the latest in September 2024.
📜 What Ohio Law Says
Ohio’s Criminal Child Enticement statute is crystal clear:
“No person, by any means and without privilege to do so, shall knowingly solicit, coax, entice, or lure any child under fourteen years of age to accompany the person in any manner, including entering into any vehicle or onto any vessel.”
⚠️ Protect Your Kids — Tips for Parents
- Teach Stranger Danger Early — make sure kids know never to go anywhere with someone they don’t know.
- Set Safe Zones — identify trusted adults and safe meeting spots.
- Roleplay Scenarios — practice what to do if approached.
- Stay Aware — crowded events can be chaotic; keep children within sight.
Because in situations like this, quick action by witnesses — and a fast police response — can make all the difference.
