The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has located a person of interest in connection with an attempted kidnapping investigation in Tioga, according to an update released Wednesday. The investigation remains ongoing.

The case began on March 31 at approximately 7:30 p.m., when patrol deputies from the Tioga Substation responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 1500 block of Edwards Road.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainants, who reported that a man approached several children playing in the area and allegedly attempted to lure them to his vehicle by offering to show them puppies. The children fled and alerted their parents, who confronted the suspect before he left the scene.

Deputies conducted a search of the area at the time but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division at the Tioga Substation have been investigating the incident as an attempted kidnapping. Authorities previously described the suspect as a male believed to be between 28 and 35 years old, traveling alone in a blue four-door Honda Accord.

Officials thanked the public for its assistance and stated that additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.