By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A 26-year-old Boynton Beach man was arrested Saturday after police say he allegedly approached two teenage girls outside a Walmart and offered them money, causing the girls to fear they were about to be abducted.
According to the Boynton Beach Police Department, officers responded to the Walmart on South Federal Highway on May 16 after receiving reports of a possible attempted child abduction. Investigators said two 13-year-old girls told officers they had been shopping for supplies for a school project when they were approached by a man sitting inside a white work-style van in the parking lot.
Police said the man initially asked the girls for directions to a nearby Publix before continuing the conversation and asking about a poster board they had purchased. Investigators said the man then asked the girls their ages before allegedly offering them $100. The girls told police they became frightened and ran away toward the front of the store, hiding until they were able to contact a parent for help.
Detectives later reviewed Walmart surveillance footage, which reportedly showed the suspect entering the store, following the girls through several aisles without making any purchases, and later waiting for them outside in the parking lot.
Investigators identified the suspect as Mitchell David Clark, 26. Police said one of the teens later positively identified Clark in a photo lineup.
According to the arrest report, detectives also referenced prior Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office incidents involving Clark from 2023, 2024, and earlier this year.
Police said Clark later admitted to speaking with the girls and allegedly acknowledged offering them money. Investigators stated that Clark told detectives he “made a mistake” and “did something stupid.”
Clark was arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on two counts of luring or enticing a child, according to police.
Mr. Clark is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.