Man accused of luring, touching paper girl in Homer City arrested

HOMER CITY, Pa. — State police in Indiana County arrested a man Sunday accused of luring and trying to assault a 14-year-old girl.

Authorities said Jared Welsh, 20, of Blairsville, lured the victim into his car, drove her to her home in Homer City and held her in his vehicle against her will Saturday about 4 p.m.

The teen, who was delivering newspapers, told police the man tried to inappropriately touch her, so she hit him and escaped the car.

"When he actually pulled into her driveway, he had inappropriate contact.  She was able to physically strike him, removed herself and ran from the vehicle," said police officer John Matchik.

The girl said she ran into her home, but by time police arrived, Welsh was gone, police said.

Investigators searched for Welsh’s dark turquoise minivan and located him on Sunday.

"It's real concerning because there are kids non-stop here all of the time," said neighbor John Kolesar.

WPXI