ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Police say a paroled sex offender attempted to kidnap a 12-year-old girl on Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses reported to Rockford Police that a man grabbed the girl as she was walking near Kishwaukee Street and Lourden Court, and forced her into his car.

Another witness told police she saw the girl escape from the car when it stopped near 10th Street.

Gary Brown, 64, was identified as the subject and arrested a short time later.

He is being charged with aggravated kidnapping and failure to register as a sex offender.

In 2003, Brown was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old and aggravated criminal sexual assault causing great bodily harm. He is listed as a sexual predator in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

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