They were like pulled over and they said, "Do you want candy? Um, a Nintendo Switch and a PS5. I have it in the car. Get it in." >> So, we got two reports of you stopping to talk to some kids on the side of the road. >> Do you see the person who was saying that? >> The blue one. >> On May 5th, 2023 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Deputies were called after two kids said a black truck stopped near them on the walk home from school. One child said someone inside offered candy and video games, then told them to get in. Deputies find the truck nearby, but the truck alone doesn't give them much. They still have to figure out who was inside it, who actually said it, and whether either kid can make an ID. >> What's up, buddy? >> Oh, hi. >> Hi. How are you? >> I am. >> We have the vehicle. We're just wondering kind of a little bit exactly what you saw or what told happened. >> He was coming home from school. >> Okay. And when he was walking home, I guess him and his other friend, I guess the truck pulled up beside him and asked him if he wanted candy, a PS5, and a Switch to get into the truck. >> Okay. >> And I called you guys because he luckily enough knows better not to. I don't want another child not knowing. >> God forbid something. >> I hear you, man. I hear you. Is that what happened? Can you just yourself with your your own words tell me kind of what happened? >> They're they were like pulled over and I said, "Do you want candy?" um a Nintendo Switch and a PS5. I have it in the car get in and then they who said that >> the people in the truck and then um you started >> one person I'm sorry to interrupt you buddy. Okay. Do they both say that or did one like a driver, passenger, someone else? >> One I don't remember what one said it. >> Okay. >> But one did. >> Where were you standing on in relation to the car? Like were you over here or >> The car was like right a little bit in front of me. >> Were you in the road? >> No. >> On the sidewalk? >> Yes. Me and my friend. Um, >> can you come kind of just walk and show me kind of I mean you were on the sidewalk you said? >> Yeah. So I'm like right up that mailbox. >> Okay. >> That like where that back car is. Yeah. That um car. >> Okay. Did it actually happen right here or somewhere else? >> Get way down there. Down there. >> So you're on this side of the road, the far side. >> So we're walking down here. Me and my friend were walking and then um these two people came up in the grass and then me and him ran down back down there. >> Okay. So, when you're looking at the car, you're looking at the driver's side kind of like you're looking at these patrol vehicles here. Can you tell me kind of being where you are now? Can you tell me for sure? >> I don't know what they look like. >> If the driver or passenger said that or you just heard the words? >> I just heard the words cuz me and him were running. >> So, you didn't see him at all or anything? >> I was in the truck. >> All right. So, you can't say if he was old or young or anything, huh? >> I can say that he he was he was a grown man. >> Two grown men. >> And how do you know that? >> I seen what they like how tall they were. They were driving. >> If you saw them again, would you be like, "Hey, that's him." Or would you not not know? >> I wouldn't know. >> You would know if you saw them again. >> Seen the truck. >> Well, forget about the truck. Okay. Pretend like they're just standing here. >> Mhm. >> And you're looking at a bunch of people. Yeah. >> Would you be able to say that was the driver and that was the passenger and that was the one that said those words to me? >> Uhoh. >> No. Okay. >> I don't know what the exact >> um obviously that kind of limits what we can do as far as him not being able to do an ID, but we're out with the truck. So, we're going to go over talk to a bunch of people. >> Okay. >> Um and I'll keep you guys updated. Okay. I'll probably just come back over here. >> A truck gives deputies a place to [music] start. It does not give them a person to arrest. On a call like this, the question is not just whether the truck was there. The question is who said it and whether that person can be identified. >> I don't think that's our person. >> Yeah, there we go. >> It's all good. Looking for a Leon or whatever his name is. Leon owns that truck. >> Uh, I don't know. You don't know? >> Okay. >> Is he home? >> Huh? >> Is he home? >> I don't know. Come on, man. >> You don't know if he's home? >> I don't know. I'm just here. Okay. I'm his friend. What would you do? >> Yeah. So, we'll do this a couple of ways, okay? He's not in any trouble right now. Were you in the truck with him earlier? You know why we're here, right? Cuz the stuff you guys said to those kids over there. >> What kids? >> Tell him to come out here. >> Tell him to come out here. >> He's in the shower right now. >> I'm going to pull everyone out the house and I'm going to get a search warrant for your house. >> Then when he's done with this, that's not how this is going to work, okay? He could come out here and we could be adults and cordial about it. >> He's in the shower right now. >> Then tell him just to come out and talk to us when he's done. Okay. Tell them to step it up though cuz we're not going to sit out here all day. >> What's going on now? >> We got two calls about this truck. All right. Two incidents. All right. And we need to talk to the owner, whoever's driving that truck. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Fair enough. >> Okay. Go let them know. >> The only problem would be you guys giving us red flags to not want to talk to us. That's the only problem that could happen right now. Okay. >> All right. No problem. >> Thanks. I'll have >> Yep. Let them know. Okay. Yeah. Love when they play dumb. >> Yeah. >> 338 central. >> 338. >> We're going to be out at that terrace address. >> Hey Bella, do you want to stay on the back? >> Yeah. >> All right. Were you with them? Cuz they described a guy in blue shirt, blue shorts and all that. >> That's funny. Blue shorts. Cuz if I was even sitting in the truck, you wouldn't be able to see my shorts. So, >> you didn't get out then, >> huh? >> You didn't get out? >> No. Get out of that piece of >> I don't know. >> Nobody. >> So, listen. Like he said, >> who said >> the kid with the deputy over here? You got you got a problem, dude? Do you want there to be a problem? >> Do you have a problem >> with you? I do. I >> I don't have a problem. >> No. Okay. Really? >> All right. H just you two in the house then. Like you said, >> I just wonder what what the attitude's about. You know, >> I just don't like cops. >> You get in trouble, you do stupid stuff on occasion. >> Yeah, >> looks like it. I get it. We all do stupid stuff, right? >> Yeah. >> One day you'll grow up and realize you do stupid stuff and mature. >> Okay. >> Who's Whose van is this? >> I don't know. Run the tag. Got all the right in the world, too. So do you. >> Man, you're you're really smart, huh? >> Oh, man. You got me smart. >> Oh, you got me. It'll be boy Frank 66 Sam William BF66SW. It's a white for people usually act like this when they know they just did something stupid. >> Shut up. Yeah. >> Yeah. You're really you're really getting there, man. >> Huh? Your feelings hurt? >> Are my feelings hurt? >> Yeah. >> All right, buddy. Maybe we will have to get some someone to ID these guys. Yeah, they're they're still looking. So, >> yeah, that's good. >> I'll be right back. The attitude at the door makes the scene harder, but it does not prove the accusation. Deputies can push for answers, but they still need something stronger than how someone acts when officers show up. >> How you doing, man? >> You got 2 minutes for me? >> Push up, pup. >> Yeah, watch that one. >> Yeah. Hey, that's what he's supposed to do, right? >> So, I'm just going to kind of tell you what we're dealing with. We got two separate calls in the neighborhood of two kids, adults, but you know, younger in their 20s, uh, driving around in a black truck, asking kids to get in the car. Hey, you want some candy? Get in the car. So, we're over here with this truck seeing if these kids are involved. Do you know who they are at all or who those people are? Cuz they're giving us nothing but attitude right now. >> You get me? Yeah. >> Nice. Okay. >> You look pretty good in that uniform. >> Thanks, man. They're new uniforms. >> Oh, yeah. >> Uh I know the one kid that I don't see outside. >> Yeah, that's that's He owns that truck right there. >> I don't really know that kid. I don't even know his name. I know he's buddies. >> I'm just My concern is to make sure the community is safe. All right. We don't need people even if it's a joke. It's a pretty stupid joke to do to for these kids to go, you know. >> Buddy I got >> Yeah, you do. I got two little kids on the way right now. my wife's travel. So, >> I just need to know like I mean is this something for us to be concerned about or do you do you have issues with them or know of anything that I don't I don't know if you >> No, I don't have any issues with these. >> All right. Well, you're a member of the community, so I'm just letting you know the calls we got around here. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to go talk to them a little bit and see what's going on. Okay. >> What's up, ma'am? >> How you doing? >> Good. You drive this truck. Yeah. >> Okay. You were just out driving around earlier? No, I don't even run. >> No, you were. Don't play dumb. >> No, earlier. Yes. >> All right. Yeah, right now. We We had two We had two calls from different people about about you driving that truck out. All right. I don't care that you were driving the truck. >> No. Yes, sir. >> All right. Did you Did you talk to anybody on your >> No, it's not running. >> Just right now. >> No. Yeah. It's stuck in >> I don't care. >> Neutral or some [ __ ] >> Yeah. What were you uh What were you up to earlier? >> Driving. >> I just rolled the truck over the weekend. I showed him it still ran. Yeah. I saw you were in an accident or something like that. >> Yes, sir. No license. I know. You guys can ask for it. >> I don't need What's your name? Le >> Lane? >> Yes, sir. >> So, you talking to some some Anybody on your way over here? Stop and talk to anybody on the side of the road or anything like that? No. Nobody at all? >> No. >> No. So, people would just make that up? >> No. Well, what did I say? >> I'm asking you. You don't Do you remember? >> No, I didn't say a word. >> No, we just we got two calls about people in that exact truck with that license plate stopping. >> Yeah. I may have been driving around near erotically. >> Yeah. And who who' you stop and talk to? >> I didn't stop and talk to anyone. I stopped over here right off right in front of the bar at my uh house. >> There were no nobody was walking on the side of the road and you decided to talk to him and >> not at my aunt's house. No, I sat on the bar. >> At your aunt's house. Oh, is this your aunt's house? >> No, this isn't my house. My mom's house. My aunt lives right in front of the bar. >> All right. >> Drove over there. That was it. Okay. Sat there on the front porch. So, we got two reports of you stopping to talk to some kids on the side of the road. >> So, why you turning and looking at him? What's that look all about? >> Nobody started talking too. >> Yeah. See that look? That's like, yeah, we did something stupid and we're playing dumb. Somebody did something dumb and you know it was one of you. >> No, I don't even honest to God [ __ ] I'm focused on >> Two people called about that truck. >> Stopping to talk to some kids. Okay. I didn't stop and talk to no kids. >> Yeah, >> not me. >> It was one of you. Whoever was driving that truck. >> Me. I was driving, but I did not stop and talk to no kids. >> So, two people called in for no reason at all. >> I never stopped talking to no kids. I can prove that. You could. Right here's the corner store. You get their camera footage. And I actually know the people right here at the corner, too. Get their camera footage. >> I never stopped talking to no kids. I'll raise my hand on the Holy Bible on that one. >> I'm sure you would rely upon that Holy Bible. No problem. >> No problem. My grandma said, "Great." >> All right. He went and talked to the people that you were talking to. So, I'll wait till he comes over here and talk to him. >> Admitting to being in the truck and in the area is not the same as admitting the conversation happened, but it does narrow what deputies still have to prove. >> This one goes across your lap. That goes right up here. >> Just like that. >> Oh, okay. >> It's like a normal seat belt. >> Wait, how about this? I need I need to hit this button. >> Yep. And you're done. >> All right. You're just going to show me where where you guys were when the truck came up to you. Okay. >> Okay. >> We're going to go house and then we're going to go to the place where you got >> you guys texting each other trying to figure out what you're going to say. >> I'm on Snapchat. That's funny, too. >> Keep talking. Yeah. I mean, you come over here. I'm texting my mom. I have no reason to lie. >> Oh, you're lying me about something. >> I'm not lying you about nothing. All right. So, laying here said he was driving a truck, but has no idea what we're talking about. So, >> well, just listen, guys. Um, so luring and enticing a child, a minor, an adult doing that. It's a crime. >> Yes. I'm I'm still unaware of what I did. Like, >> well, a 9-year-old reporting something like that to us isn't something a 9-year-old does. >> He reported described your truck to a te. >> Yeah. Okay. I don't >> And someone someone who was not involved, just a random person saw you talking to the kid and called it in too. >> Forgetting about how our encounter uh started when we first got here. You guys, >> just as adults, you understand the seriousness of some kid telling us that, you know, we have to come out. We have to push for it. It is a crime. >> All right. And >> but no, I did not stop and talk about trying to damn kids. But >> okay, >> I'm not trying to. >> Okay. Okay. So, we're going to go house first. We turn right here. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> Here's one of the people right here. >> Who? >> People are going. >> You going? >> Yeah. With the basketball hoop. >> With the basketball hoop. Okay. >> What's one of them? >> Now, where did it happen? >> It happened right here. >> The incident happened here. >> Yes. >> J's house is right. >> Take a right. Okay. He's the one with the white car. Not this one and not the next one. >> And not the next one. >> The one with the white truck and white car. >> No. >> Yeah, the one with the truck and the car. >> The truck and the car. >> Yeah. I think >> this one right here. >> Yeah. We're just trying to figure out what's going >> to figure out what the heck's going on. >> Let me uh I'm going to call Sheen. We got a deputy with the kids now. I guess there was more than one. And is there really no one else in the house? >> No. It's just not >> thought you guys were coming cuz that truck was on the road. Yeah. I knew that was stupid to have that damn thing on the road. >> Well, it is, but I mean, if we don't see you driving the thing, we're not That's not why we're here. >> Something's been going on around here, period. Because someone called. I'm just going to tell you, I know him. And like my husband said, and his mom and stepdad live there with him, and he would never do that. So, I don't >> Yeah, that's why I was asking other people. I don't know >> with him, but the one in the green shirt would never do that. So, I don't I hope nothing's going to happen. His going to school like when he was a little younger, they used to party and there's crap that they were doing and he's grown up. He would never I can't even I hope he calls his mom. He didn't he don't do that. And that's why I'm like, >> yeah, I can't speak for other situations and stuff, but I appreciate you coming and talking to me, though. >> Yeah, he's not he would never do that. I was like, what the hell? What is going on? >> We just make sure. That's all. But I appreciate it. >> But the one in the green shirt was >> Well, so far the one in the green's okay. It's the one in the other one was giving us a problem earlier. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. I'm going to go talk and see if he can tell us. >> Okay. >> Cuz obviously they've been adding it. So >> Okay. >> He's He's about to talk to him now. She had nice things to say about you and your neighbor there. >> Oh, her. >> Yeah. Said you're a good kid. >> All right. Thank you. >> The neighbor gives deputies background, not proof. She can say what she thinks of them, but she was not standing with the kids when the truck stopped. The stronger answer still has to come from someone who was there. >> Hi. >> Hello. >> Yes. >> Okay. I guess something happened with him and a friend. >> Yes. Actually, he told me about it. >> Okay. So, what did he >> um he said when they got to the corner, a black truck without a um bed on it stopped and said, "Hey, kids. Uh where the I don't know what he said they are, but get on in." And started waving them in. and he he's was completely terrified about it. He said that they um obviously kept walking and then they pulled up again and then they peeled off. >> He could probably tell you better than me, but he doesn't mind. I just want to talk >> because he he was really bothered by it and he's not really like that, but I'll go grab it. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, >> I don't want to explain it in front of her. >> Can you go inside with >> So, basically, we got two calls, two separate calls of two subjects inside that truck um, riding around enticing children to get in the vehicle. We're locating the kids now that have made these comments that this was happening and we're seeing if any faces can be identified and stuff like that. So, for now, since um they've said they were both in the truck riding around, they're detained right now because I mean, that's a serious accusation. So, we're just holding them here. They're being cooperative um until we figure out where the other deputies are dealing with the kids and talking to parents and we're going to go from there. >> Okay. >> And that's that's pretty much where we're at. >> All right. Wow. Where are you guys doing? >> What happened? Um me and my friends were walking to my house and then there's two guys that stopped in black beat up truck and they asked us to get in and we didn't get in and they kept waving us on and then they started doing burnouts and went away. >> Okay. Can you tell me what these guys look like? >> They're both like bald and they don't see them. >> If you saw them again, would you be able to point them out? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Do you know who told you guys to get into the car? >> No. >> No. You don't know whether it was a driver or the person sitting next to him? >> Yeah, there's um a driver and another guy. >> Okay. Who actually said, "Why don't you get in?" >> From the passenger. >> The passenger. Okay. And if you saw the passenger, would you be able to tell me who he is? Okay. All right. Just give me one minute. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. You have to go with him. >> My turn. >> Yeah. You're going with them. >> Yeah. >> Get your copies right now. >> All right. It's kind of a weird seat belt system here. >> Can I just go on the other side? >> Yes, ma'am. I'm around to your location now. >> It's going. I'll tell you what's going on, but there are adults they could tell you. Someone said, "Oh, I took Joe around the block in my truck. Well, over to Chase's so that we could go to the bed cuz he fell asleep." So we went over there, try to wake him up and someone said, "Oh, you want candy?" >> Some have kids. So we they're here because we entice kids. >> Yeah, that's the truck. >> Okay. Do you see the person who was saying that? >> Um the blue one. >> This guy in the blue. >> Yeah. >> Okay. How certain are you? Certain >> certain >> Yes. >> Okay. >> 307 322. Was there an ID? >> That's affirmative. >> 104. Which one? >> Blue shirt. >> Copy. All right. I'm going to look up a couple things real quick. >> All right. They can sit back down. All right. >> Yeah. >> You guys can sit back down where you were. >> All right. I'm going to look up a couple of things real quick and just figure our options out. A positive ID from a witness is a different kind of evidence than a description or a license plate. One child pointed to a specific person. That is what changes what deputies can actually do next. All right, I'm going to give you a chance to tell me what you want to tell me, or if you don't want to tell me anything, you don't have to. But first, I got to read you some stuff. Do you want to give me like a swarm recorded statement in regards to what happened? >> No, I'm still honestly confused, man. >> Okay. Well, I'm just Yes or no? >> I say whatever. Do you want to give me a swarm record state? Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Pull >> any of these lines. >> First, I'm going to I'm going to read you your rights. >> All right. >> You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand each of these rights I explained to you? >> Yes, sir. >> With these rights in mind, you still wish to speak with me? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. I'm also going to read you. All right. So, this is a statement. I'm going to swear you in. Do you swear or refer the statement you're about to give will be the truth? The whole truth. Nothing but truth. >> Yes, sir. >> So, you know why we're here? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Apparently, somebody called saying they saw your truck with that exact tag with no bet on it. Drive up to some kids. Somebody in the truck said something to the kids. I'm giving you a chance to explain to me your side of that or if >> you never pull up to any kids. I mean, I stopped at a stop sign and >> or pull up to any kids or maybe you were stopped and some kids walked by. >> They might have been walking by, but no, we didn't intentionally stop and talk to no kids. Didn't say words to kid. No, I didn't. >> Nothing was said. >> You could. >> What about your passenger? >> No, I know. No, I we had no window in the truck, so it was more so just yelling the whole time. Like >> there's no window in the truck, so they can hear you. say whatever. >> I mean, yeah, you could. >> Do you remember him possibly saying anything out of the passenger window at anybody? >> No, sir. I mean, you could check any of the cameras around here, man. >> Nothing amongst the lines. Well, there might not be cameras exactly where we're talking about, but I'm asking you cuz we have >> No. Yes, sir. >> We we we do have witnesses. Believe they talked to you and had a pretty good description of what you both look like. >> No, I got you. >> So, I'm giving you a chance to be honest with me. >> No. Yeah, I'm telling you. >> So, all right. So, at no point you guys talk to any kids. >> No, sir. >> Okay. You understand? You're under oath, right? Yes, sir. >> Okay. Thanks, >> Joseph. You should come talk to me. >> The denial is flat, but there is a detail buried inside it. Leighton says the truck has no window, so [music] everything inside required yelling. >> All right. I'm going to give you a chance to give a statement. I'm going to read your rights. Okay. Doesn't mean you're under arrest right this moment, but I I have to read your rights and stuff anyways. Okay. All right. >> Do you want to give me a sword statement in regards to what what occurred? >> Yeah, I can. >> Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Um, with these rights in mind, you still wish willing to talk to us. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Now, I'm going to swear you in for the statement. Okay. >> Okay. >> The time is so, as I was just telling the wife here, we were able to locate the person and I guess the other kid was able to actually identify them. We're we're taking care of that right now. >> Well, good. I'm glad that, you know, this got taken care of and and everything happened, you know. >> Yeah. I I don't know what was going through their heads, but it's definitely not. >> Yeah. No, not at all. >> Not at all. >> So, we got them. Um they're dealing with them now. >> Parents even know anything about this before you guys showed up. >> Yeah, >> they did. Okay. >> Okay. Well, glad he spoke up, too. >> Yeah. Good. >> So, he was actually able to tell us who was, you know, doing all the talking. >> So, all right. Private taking a sworn statement on place on earth. If you could raise your right hand, do you swear or affirm the statement you're about to give will be the truth? The whole truth, nothing but truth. Yes, sir. All right. So, you know why we're here? We already talked to you earlier. Um, apparently two people in that truck matching you and your friend's description were driving. You were the passenger in that car. Somebody gave us that exact truck and license plate information that you possibly might have talked to some kids on the way home and maybe said some some inappropriate things. Would you like to say anything about that matter at all? >> No. >> Do you know what I'm talking about? I know that we went for a drive in the trail and stopped at well it's Darcy's house but we stopped there to talk to Chase cuz he's standing there right now. >> Okay. >> And we drove back here. >> At any point do you remember seeing any kids or talking or talking to any kids on the side of the road walking home from school? >> I don't remember. >> You don't remember? >> I don't think we did. I don't think so. >> You don't you don't believe you talked to anybody? >> Okay. [snorts] Your chance to be honest with me. Did you guys So you're saying you did not talk to any kids on the side of the road at all? No. Not at all. >> I mean, I was yelling at Leon, but I was not yelling to no kids, nobody on the side of the road. >> Do you remember seeing any walking by or anything like that? >> I was not even paying attention. I mean, I was only talking to Leon or I was yelling at him because his windshield is busted. He was driving fast and there's a bunch of glass. So, that was >> Yeah, I mean, I shouldn't have been driving either way. >> I was calling him a [ __ ] All that, but >> Okay. >> I didn't stop to talk to no kids. >> All right. Did we discuss anything off tape? We didn't discuss on tape. Uh, no, I don't believe so. >> Okay. Anything you want to change, add or delete from what you told me? >> No. >> All right. This concludes the statement. Time is 5:13 p.m. >> All right. You can go over there. All right. Le, you're free to go. So, Joseph, the enemy, come with us. Come on. Stand up. my phone. >> We're going to take everything. >> Yeah. What's on you, man? >> Can I get my shoes up when I do get out of jail? >> Those ones right there. >> No, they made Never mind. Forget about it. >> So, you're going for ruining ent. >> It's not cute. It's kind of a big deal. >> Two counts. Okay. >> Even if you joke around stupid. >> Okay. First car we're going to want me to pull mine out. >> Uh, we can take a walk. It's not too bad. >> Which one? >> Yep. >> Which one? This one right here. Or we go on the other side. Thank you, sir. >> Joseph Patrick Cerner, 19 years old, was arrested and charged with two counts of luring a child under 12 by a person 18 or older. For a first offense, that charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. Leighton Dyel was released at the scene with no charges filed. He posted a $10,000 bond and was out. So, where would you draw the line here? The kids reported something serious. The truck matched, one person was identified, and both men denied it. Was that enough for an arrest, or would you want more before someone is taken to jail? Drop your take below and subscribe for more cases like this.