A serial groper whose status as a sex offender was widely publicized ahead of his release from prison last Friday, had to be taken into police custody for "safekeeping" yesterday after residents of the area he lives in incorrectly accused him of 

attempting to abduct a 12-year-old girl in the area, according to a statement released by police.

According to police, around 9 a.m. yesterday, the girl was walking on Fourth Street, Coconut Grove, when she was approached by a tall, bald headed, bright-skinned male wearing a blue hooded jacket who attempted to abduct her.

Police said residents assumed the culprit was Sidney Cooper, 47, who lives on Fifth Street, and is a registered sex offender with more than 15 convictions for sexual assault, mainly groping women.

Those residents converged on Cooper's residence with rocks, bottles and a cutlass.

However, police said Cooper was not responsible for the attempted abduction.

"For the safety of Mr. Cooper, he was escorted from his residence by police without incident," police said. "Police are aggressively in search of the suspect and are requesting members of the public to remain vigilant and on the alert."

Video of residents in front of Cooper's home circulated on social media. Some of the residents could be seen with weapons in their hands. Another video showed Cooper being led to a police vehicle in handcuffs.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe told reporters last week that he believes that based on Cooper's criminal history, and the brazen nature of many of his crimes, that he will offend again.

He warned residents that the notice about Cooper was not an invitation to harm him.

Members of the public have expressed concern and anxiety over Cooper's release.

The post Convicted sex offender taken into protective custody appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post Convicted sex offender taken into protective custody appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

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