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Berks Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report

A Berks County man attempted to kidnap a girl from an alleyway in Reading on Friday, Oct. 11, authorities said.

Reading police squad car

Reading police squad car

Photo Credit: Facebook/Reading Police Department

Liam Wilkinson, 24, of Blandon, had posed as a teen boy on social media to lure the girl into an alley in the 600 block of Ritter Street, WFMZ 69 News reported on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Once she was in the alley, Wilkinson attempted to get her to climb into his vehicle.

When she refused and tried to leave, Wilkinson chased her down and held a knife to her throat, WFMZ said. She managed to free herself and get away, and Wilkinson took her phone, which she dropped as she struggled.

Reading and Spring Township police arrested Wilkinson without incident on the same day, according to WFMZ.

Wilkinson was charged with:

  • Felony Criminal Attempt - Kidnapping For Ransom.

  • Felony Criminal Attempt - Unlawful Restraint of Minor/Not Parent - Risk of Bodily Injury.

  • Felony Criminal Attempt - False Imprisonment of Minor/Not Parent.

  • Misdemeanor Criminal Attempt - Lure Child into Motor Vehicle.

  • Misdemeanor Simple Assault.

  • Misdemeanor Terroristic Threats with Intent to Terrorize Another.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8, according to court documents. He's currently being held in the Berks County Prison on $1 million bail.

Wilkinson was already awaiting a hearing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18 relating to charges of Rape, Kidnapping, and Assault of a minor from a Wednesday, March 13 incident in Reading, court documents state.

He's facing the current charges after posting $250,000 bail in the earlier case, according to court documents.

Click here to read WFMZ's full report. 

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