Clearwater Police Arrest Man on Kidnapping and Drug Charges

Clearwater Police officers arrested Erik Johnson, 43, on multiple charges, including kidnapping, following an incident Friday evening involving a 15-year-old female runaway.

Police say Johnson was seen dragging the girl away from the Circle K located at 1501 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. As officers responded, bystanders intervened, allowing the girl to break free. Johnson fled the scene but was located nearby a short time later.

He was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on charges of kidnapping, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, exposure of sexual organs, and resisting arrest without violence.