A man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a little girl from a grocery store in Buellton has posted bail.
William Henderson was taken into custody Tuesday, six days after the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office says William “Bill” Henderson took a 2-year-old girl from a shopping cart at Albertsons on the 200 block of Highway 246 and “started walking toward the exit.”
The girl’s parent stopped Henderson before he left the store and handed over the child, authorities say, adding, “The 2-year-old child and parent were clearly distraught over the incident.”
Since news of his arrest, the sheriff’s office says several people have called to describe bizarre behavior involving Henderson, but the reports are “nothing that has risen to criminal behavior,” officials say.
The 56-year-old is reportedly the owner of a local transportation business.
He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail Tuesday night on suspicion of kidnapping and misdemeanor child endangerment. He posted $100,000 bail shortly after his arrest, officials say.
When reached by phone Thursday morning, Henderson told KSBY News he has an attorney and does not have a comment at this time.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine whether any charges will be filed.
The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information on the investigation or other incidents possibly involving Henderson to call (805) 686-8150.
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