Neighbors ‘shocked’ after Columbia man is arrested for kidnapping allegations

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Residents at the Hyde Park Townhomes were shocked Thursday to find out their neighbor had been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a young girl.

"I was definitely shocked, it's a really close-knit family-oriented community so to hear that news It surprised me," said Brianna Ledbetter, who has lived in the area for two years.

The Columbia police arrested 57-year-old Mark Lindell Martin of Columbia after an alleged attempted kidnapping Thursday morning in the area of Hyde Park Avenue and Cooper Drive North.

Police reported Martin tried to lure a female juvenile from a bus stop just after 11 a.m. The female juvenile tried to leave the area but Martin reportedly followed her and tried to get her into his vehicle.

"I would never have expected that, it's very shocking very surprising and just obviously unsettling," said Hannah Gray, who has lived in the area for three years.

Martin reportedly got out of the vehicle and began walking toward the girl. At that time, the female juvenile screamed. The suspect then drove away and the girl was able to get to safety.

Police found and arrested Martin a short distance away according to the release.

"I'm just glad to hear that the police were able to respond quickly and apprehend him, and it makes me feel good that we're going to be protected," Ledbetter said.

Martin was arrested for enticement of a child, fourth-degree assault and second-degree harassment. He has not been formally charged according to court documents.

Martin is currently in the custody of the Boone County Jail.