Man accused of trying to kidnap 17-year-old girl in White Twp. arrested

WHITE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities in Indiana County arrested a man accused of trying to kidnap a 17-year-old girl Saturday afternoon in White Township.

According to police, the girl was walking on Marion Road near Sunset Drive when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who said, "Come with me."

Investigators said the man, later identified as Andrew Edwards, then grabbed the girl's arm, and she screamed. Edwards, 58, then grabbed the girl around her stomach before she was able to escape and run away unharmed, police said.

The girl told police a description of Edwards, including that he had long, black hair to the middle of his back and was wearing a plain black winter hat. She said he was about 5 feet 10 inches tall and has a heavy build.

Police said the girl reported seeing a dark-colored SUV just before he appeared.

Authorities said a felony kidnapping warrant was obtained for Edwards, and he was arrested about 5 p.m. Monday.

State police said they'd like to thank the public for its assistance in the investigation.

"We think this could be an arbitrary situation where the suspect saw it as a great opportunity," Pennsylvania State Trooper John Matchik said.

WPXI