Bethel Police: Newtown Man Arrested After Trying to Lure Girl Into Car

The Bethel Police department has arrested a man that they believe is responsible for a bizarre attempt at luring a 13-year-old girl into his car.

According to the BPD, a Bethel family reported that the girl was walking on Greenwood Ave. when she was approached by a man who asked for directions to a local coffee shop. After a few minutes, the same driver circled back to the young teen and asked her where the movie theater was. According to police, the girl gave the man directions, but he asked if she would ride along with him to show him the way. Frightened, the girl refused and rushed home to report the incident. Police say that at the time of the report, there was no indication that a crime had been committed, but the investigation continued.

On the next day, however, the girl said she saw the same exact vehicle downtown, and reported the license plate number to the police. The car belonged to Ronald Lee Jr., a 42-year-old Newtown resident, who was then interviewed by Bethel officers. Police say that Lee admitted to making contact with the 13-year-old, and that he estimated the girls age to be around 15 to 17-years old. Police also say that Ronald Lee Jr. admitted to thinking that the girl was attractive and was interested in dating her. He told officers that he would've asked her to see movie, and would have tried to kiss her if she agreed.

The case was then submitted to the Detective Bureau for review, at which point a warrant was granted that led to Lee's arrest.

Ronald Lee Jr. has been charged with risk of injury to a minor and impairing the morals of a child. He was released on a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear at Danbury Superior Court on September 23.