PARRISH - Manatee Sheriff Charlie Wells said that Clay Moore was able to escape from his kidnapper Friday afternoon, find a Good Samaritan, and use a cell phone to call his mother for help.
Sheriff Wells called the situation "miraculous."
The 13-year-old was with investigators most of the afternoon, who were trying to get as much information as possible about the suspect while it was still fresh in the teenager's mind.
Wells said Moore was found in the Kibler Ranch area, which is a large farming area off State Road 64 in eastern Manatee County, about 20 miles away from the bus stop where he was kidnapped.
According to Wells, Clay was walked to nearby woods, where he was left tied up. He was able to free himself and escape.
Clay apparently was able to find a Good Samaritan to use a cell phone to call his mother. Wells did not say whose cell phone he used.
According to the sheriff, Clay was relatively uninjured and he only had some minor scrapes.
He would not comment on many other questions regarding the situation, including whether or not a sexual assault took place.
Deputies are still searching for the man who kidnapped Clay.
Here is the description authorities have of the suspect:
Hispanic male, dark complexion
Around 30 years old
Around 5’8†tall
Short, dark hair
Dark mustache
Wearing a long-sleeve blue and tan striped shirt, blue jeans and dark sunglasses
Here is a description of the suspect’s truck:
Late 90s or early 2000 Toyota or Ranger style
Red or faded maroon color
Extended cab
No tinted windows
No tool box
Sheriff Wells said the suspect was likely someone who is very familiar with the area. He asked that people be on the lookout for the red pick-up truck.
The kidnapping happened shortly before 9 a.m. Clay was waiting at a bus stop at Old Tampa Road and Douglas Hill Place in Parrish.
According Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the kidnapper came out with a gun, and Clay happened to be the closest student to him. He ordered Clay to go with him. Other students starting running and screaming, hysterical as the kidnapper forced Clay into the truck.
Students at the scene say that Clay said “Sir, I don’t know you.â€Â
One child described a heart-breaking scene:
“Everyone said when he got in the car, he was bawling his eyes out,†said Jonathan Fletcher, a friend and classmate of Clay's.
Bristow said it was probably the scariest situation the children had ever encountered.
Link to Sheriff Wells News Conference:
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/MyFo ... cale=EN-US
