Man arrested after trying to abduct 9-year-old girl at Coraopolis school bus stop

COROAPOLIS, Pa. — The Coraopolis community is on edge but relieved that a little girl is safe after she escaped a kidnapping incident near her home.

“I feel sad for them because I know they’re going through a lot right now, but I’m proud of her,” said Barb, who lives in the neigborhood.

Police say 40-year-old William Goring admitted to trying to take the 9-year-old Cornell Elementary student from her bus stop.

The bus stop is just one street away from Goring’s own home.

It happened at the corner of School Street and McCabe Street Thursday morning.

The child told police a man wearing a white coat with fur and red pants came up to her from behind. She says he covered her mouth, grabbed her by the hair and dragged her away from the bus stop. She then threw herself down and fought back so he would lose his grip.

“Her parents did a really great job in teaching her how to respond to a stranger,” said Brittney, a Cornell Elementary parent.

The bus pulled up as this was all happening, and Goring took off.

Visibly shaken from the trauma, the little girl told school officials as soon as she got to class and reported what happened.

Police picked up Goring up about an hour later near a VFW and McDonald’s in downtown Coraopolis, wearing the same exact clothing.

Investigators say they’re familiar with him based on other incidents over the years.

“It’s disgusting. He’s had priors, so I don’t know why he’s walking the streets anyway,” said Brittney, a Cornell Elementary parent.

The Cornell School District Superintendent sent this statement to Channel 11 regarding the incident:

“Yesterday morning there was a very serious and dangerous situation involving one of our students during morning pick-up. Thanks to the unbelievable actions of this brave student, and the quick response of our bus driver, the Coraopolis Police Department, Cornell School police, and our administration, the child is safe and I’m happy to know the suspect is in custody.”

“After the ongoing conversations with local authorities we believe this to be an isolated incident, but it still scares you as a parent and as a school administrator. I commend everyone involved, and I am truly amazed by this young student and the response of everyone involved,” said Dr. Aaron Thomas, superintendent of the Cornell School District.

Police say the little girl injured her tailbone while fighting back.

Police say Goring admitted to the entire incident and planned to smash the child’s head into a wall.

He’s facing a string of criminal charges including aggravated assault, criminal attempt and unlawful restraint of a minor.

He will go before a judge on Jan. 18 for his preliminary hearing.

He remains behind bars at the Allegheny County Jail, unable to post bond due to being a danger to the public and children.

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