A 61-year-old man has been arrested in Valongo on suspicion of kidnapping, sexual coercion, and engaging in the prostitution of minors, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) announced on Friday.
In a statement, the authority detailed that the case dates back to August 24, when the suspect approached the victim, a 16-year-old teenager.
During the conversation, the suspect led the teenager to believe he knew his father and offered him a ride home, convincing him to get into the vehicle he was driving.
As the journey progressed, the minor realized they were not heading towards his residence and asked the suspect to stop and let him out of the car. However, the man refused, stating they were going to another destination within the city of Valongo.
“From that moment, the suspect began to seduce the victim, making sexual suggestions in exchange for monetary payment, which the minor immediately refused,” explained the PJ.
The suspect persisted in his attempts, trying to provoke physical contact with sexual connotations. The minor resisted, leading to a physical confrontation, which forced the suspect to stop the vehicle, allowing the victim to escape and seek help from bystanders.
Subsequent investigations led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, who had shown signs of similar behavior previously.
The detainee, who has no prior criminal record, will be brought before the competent judicial authority for an initial judicial hearing and the imposition of appropriate coercive measures.
