YARMOUTH — A 27-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the attempted sexual assault of a 5-year-old child at a local park, police said.
Ryan Evans of South Yarmouth faces charges of assault to rape a child, kidnapping of a child, and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Barnstable District Court.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. Tuesday at Peter Homer Park during a soccer game.
Police said an unknown man lured the child behind park restrooms, where the attempted assault took place.
The child’s screams scared off the suspect, who fled on an electric bicycle.
Yarmouth police launched an extensive search, deploying plain clothes officers, bicycle patrols and additional resources.
Tips from social media aided the investigation.
Evans was apprehended during a vehicle stop just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Police said Evans has a prior record, including charges in 2021 for unarmed burglary and assault, assault to rape a child, assault and battery, destruction of property and larceny.
The child was evaluated by Yarmouth Fire/Rescue for injuries.
