04-08-2025
Binghamton man accused of attempting to abduct child from inside Price Chopper
A Binghamton man has been charged with attempted kidnapping after allegedly trying to abduct an 8-year-old girl inside Price Chopper.
The Binghamton Police Department responded to a report of an assault and an attempted abduction at about 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 1 in the Price Chopper at 10 Glenwood Ave. in the City of Binghamton.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Donald Beetlestone, 37, of Binghamton, was being restrained by others in the store. He was taken into custody by police.
Through the investigation police were able to determine that the child had been shopping with her mother and was alone in the produce section when Beetlestone approached her. He allegedly struck her with a bottle and attempted to forcibly remove her from the store.
A female employee heard the struggle, intervened and attempted to stop Beetlestone, and a male customer assisted by physically restraining him until police arrived.
Beetlestone was charged with first-degree attempted kidnapping, first-degree assault, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. He was remanded to the Broome County jail.
The case is still under investigation. The Binghamton Police Department asks anyone with information to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 607-772-7080.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton man accused of attempted child abduction in Price Chopper
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