Boy escapes would-be abductor in Liberty County

DAYTON, TX (KTRK) -- Authorities in Liberty County are investigating the attempted abduction of a little boy, and they think the suspect may be linked with a recent rape in the same area.

Seven-year-old Luke Gordon was playing near the 300 block of CR 4882 near Dayton on Tuesday. The boy told authorities he was playing near the road when a man in a red pickup pulled up, grabbed his shoulder and tried to pull him into the truck. Luke managed to pull away and run to a neighbor's house for help, while the suspect took off.

"I feel like I don't want to go outside anymore," Luke Gordon said, "because they might do it again."

"Y'all hold y'all's kids close tonight," said his mother, Heather Gordon. "Love them because you never know what could happen one day."

Authorities say that while the description of the suspect and his pickup are vague, they are concerned it may be the same person and vehicle related to a recent rape of a 30-year-old woman on FM 1413 just west of Dayton.

Additionally, another woman reported being approached twice, once more than a week ago and once on Tuesday, by a man who tried to lure her into his truck. The 20-year-old jogger told deputies the man driving a red pickup matched the description given in the rape case.

The investigation is ongoing. The Liberty County Sheriff's Office is advising residents to stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement. Anyone with information on the suspect and/or vehicle matching this description to call the Sheriff's Office at 936-336-4500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867.