CINCO RANCH, Texas – The incident unfolded Monday morning in the Canyon Gate neighborhood of Cinco Ranch, where a 70-year-old man is accused of trying to entice a junior high student into his truck as she walked to her bus stop.
Fort Bend County Precinct 1 constables say the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. The suspect, Ronald Boucher, who lives in the same neighborhood as the girl, was arrested on a child enticement charge.
KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel spoke with officials at the Precinct 1 Constable’s office about the case and the community’s reaction.
Constables say Boucher approached the student in a white truck and asked if she needed a ride. The girl declined and continued walking, but Boucher returned and asked her again to get into his vehicle.
“That second approach led us to believe it was more than just an innocent ‘Can I help you get to school?’” said Chief Deputy John Hermann.
The student immediately called her parent, who picked her up and took her safely to school. The incident was reported, and deputies quickly located Boucher’s truck and arrested him.
Some neighbors described Boucher as a well-known maintenance man in the area who often offers rides and help. However, constables confirmed the girl did not know him.
When asked if there was any indication the encounter was accidental or a kind gesture, Deputy Hermann said, “The returning is what made us feel that there was probable cause to make an arrest.”
Katy ISD issued a reminder to parents to talk with their children about staying aware, avoiding strangers, limiting distractions, and walking with a buddy to bus stops.
Deputies say there are no other reports involving Boucher, and the investigation is ongoing.