Man wanted for child kidnapping arrested

A 49-year-old New Caney, Texas man wanted out of San Bernardino County, California for parental child abduction of an 8-year-old girl was arrested Tuesday afternoon on U.S. 1.

Warren Demers was taken to jail and will be taken to California where he will face the charges.

A be-on-the-lookout alert was issued for Demers on Tuesday, which stated he was wanted for kidnapping and that he possibly possessed forged court documents falsely stating he had rightful custody of the child. The BOLO also stated he was driving a Ford truck with Texas tags. The BOLO also included the Ford truck tag number.

The Sheriff’s Office received information later Tuesday that Demers was possibly southbound on U.S. 1 in Marathon where he possibly purchased a boat. Lower Keys Sgt. Evan Calhoun was on the Seven Mile Bridge when he spotted a southbound a Ford truck matching the BOLO description. The Ford truck was pulling a 20- to 25-foot sailboat. The Texas license tag described in the BOLO was attached to the boat trailer. One wheel on the boat trailer had no tire and the trailer was riding on the rim, impeding traffic. Sgt. Calhoun stopped the truck when it exited the Seven Mile Bridge. Sgt. Calhoun immediately detained the driver, identified as Demers, without incident.

A girl, identified as the missing child, was in the truck along with a dog. Deputies Ken Fricke and Anthony Wales also arrived on scene. The girl was not injured. Demers and the girl had apparently been living out of the truck. The truck was filthy and not suitable for living. It was learned Demers planned on taking the girl to Cuba in the sailboat.

Demers was taken to jail. Deputy Fricke stayed with the girl until a Florida Department of Children and Families agent arrived. The dog was placed in the care of the Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The dog — a German Shepard — also appeared to be in good condition.

The truck and the sailboat were towed and three cell phones, two laptops and tablet computer as well as a suitcase containing paperwork were all taken into evidence.

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