Police issue warning after child found in man’s car

DODGE CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — Police in Dodge City urge parents to keep a close eye on their children’s online activities, especially social media.

The department says an officer patrolled Wright Park after closing hours on Monday night and noticed a parked car. When the officer went to investigate, he discovered 21-year-old Hector Romero of Garden City sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

Romero has been formally charged with rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and aggravated intimidation of a victim. Police say he allegedly found the girl randomly through social media.

Dodge City police say the incident is a clear reminder of why parents need to keep a close eye on their children’s activities online, including their social media.