COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man was charged after he tried to abduct a 7-year-old boy during a birthday party in northeast Columbus over the weekend, according to Franklin County Municipal Court documents.
Records say the Columbus Division of Police received a call about a missing child in the area of Whitby Square North on Sunday around 10:40 p.m.
The boy was at home for a birthday party and was being watched by an unidentified adult while others went out to dinner.
When the child's mother returned from dinner, records say she called police after she noticed her son was missing but his shoes and coat were still by the door.
Two witnesses told police they were out looking for the boy when they approached a vehicle parked across the street from the home.
One of the witnesses shined a flashlight into the car and found the boy. The witness said it looked like the child was getting off the lap of the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Elvis Wembengeno.
Documents say the witness opened the passenger door and the child had his pants around his ankles and no underwear on. Wembengeno tried to put the car in drive and leave with the child but the witness was able to get the keys out of the ignition.
The second witness notified officers who were on the scene to handcuff Wembengeno.
Officers learned there were other children at the house party and one adult was supposed to be watching them. Wembengeno did not go to the dinner with the others. At some point, records say Wembengeno made his way to his vehicle and claimed the child followed him into the vehicle.
Authorities say Wembengeno did not know the child.
Wembengeno was charged with abduction and is being held on a $250,000 bond.