Cops name man accused of near abduction

FREDONIA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police in Fredonia say they've caught the man who tried to kidnap a 13-year-old girl on her way to school. Investigators say it happened Thursday morning as the girl was riding her bike. By late afternoon, a suspect was in custody.

The girl's father says the 13-year-old is shaken by what happened to her Thursday morning, but adds her family is relieved and proud that she was able to fight off her attacker, who appeared before a judge late Thursday night.

22-year-old Corey Kimmey of Brocton likely never expected his night to end up like this. He was arraigned on felony second degree attempted kidnapping charges for an incident that happened around 7:30 in the morning near the intersection of Central Avenue and Newton Street in the village of Fredonia.

Police say the 13-year-old girl was riding her bike to school. Kimmey is accused of knocking her off her bike and pinning her to the ground. Authorities say the young girl did everything right, and Kimmey likely didn't expect her to fight back.

Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley said, "She made a lot of noise. She fought off the attack. Enough so that it would appear he abandoned his attempt and fled the area. She deserves a lot of credit for what she did."

The teenager ran to get help immediately.

Fredonia Police Chief Bradley Meyers said, "She ran to a nearby dwelling, who happened to be the household of a Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputy to seek assistance."

While she got help, police say Kimmey took off. Authorities were able to catch up with him just a few hours later thanks to an alert Newton Street homeowner.

"An individual heard the story, called us and said that at that same time frame he had witnessed an individual running to a car with the door open, no muffler on the car. And it drew his attention and he gave a very good description of that vehicle," said Chief Meyers.

Kimmey's car was picked up on Main Street in the village of Fredonia.

Chief Meyers said, "Really, the witness here is a hometown hero."

Kimmey will remain behind bars at the Chautauqua County Jail on $250,000 bail. He'll return to court on Tuesday.