A 37-year-old California man with a history of violent crimes, including attempted kidnapping and assault with intent to rape, was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) on Tuesday after allegedly trying to lure a 12-year-old girl from a bus stop in Fort Myers.
Thomas Christopher Karba, of Ventura, California, faces multiple charges following the incident, which has raised concerns about child safety in the community.
The incident began when a resident of an apartment complex on Eastwood Acres Road approached an FHP Trooper to report that a man had followed his 12-year-old daughter after she missed her school bus. The girl told her father that the suspect, later identified as Karba, had repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation as she walked home.
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According to the Trooper’s report, the girl said Karba asked her how old she was and where she lived while walking closely behind her. Feeling frightened by his aggressive questioning and imposing stature, she quickly alerted her father, who was working outside their apartment.
Upon noticing the father, Karba reportedly walked away but was later seen circling the apartment complex multiple times over the next two hours.
The concerned father flagged down the Trooper, who located Karba and questioned him. Karba claimed he was in the area to find a place to rent and said he was unaware the girl was a minor.
However, the apartment manager confirmed that Karba was not a resident, had no family in the complex, and had never inquired about renting an apartment.
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A background check revealed Karba’s extensive criminal record, including prior charges in California for attempted kidnapping, attempted rape, stalking, luring and enticing a minor, and assault with a deadly weapon.
In Florida, Karba has also been arrested for stalking, attempting to lure or entice a child under 12, and loitering or prowling.
Karba is currently in custody and awaiting arraignment. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are working to determine whether Karba may be connected to other similar cases in the area.
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