Alleged attempted kidnapping in city leads to arrest

A minor child visiting Comanche from California escaped an attempted kidnapping Monday evening after fleeing a vehicle and seeking help at a nearby residence, according to a report from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Todd Jones was notified by the Stephens County Communications Center at approximately 5:48 p.m. on July 7, about the incident. The minor had run to a home on Sellers Rd. in Comanche and asked for assistance.

Upon arrival at 5:56 p.m., Deputy Jones found the minor visibly upset and trembling, recounting his ordeal to the resident. The minor described the alleged kidnapper as an older white man with a medium build, a “larger belly,” white hair, and bruises on his arms. He was reportedly wearing a faded red OU hat, a grayish t-shirt, blue jeans, and possibly Skechers shoes. The man identified himself as “Leland.” He was later identified as 86-year-old Leland Musgrove.

The resident corroborated the minor’s account, stating that the minor had frantically run to his door, claiming someone was trying to kidnap him. The homeowner also observed a man matching the description sitting in a vehicle in front of his residence briefly before driving away.

The minor told authorities that Musgrove, who has a listed address south of Duncan, approached him at a local business in Comanche and offered him food and work. He then took the minor to a store for food before driving down Old Highway 81 against the minor’s wishes. Musgrove reportedly began telling the minor about work at his house but refused to disclose his address. The minor stated he declined the work offer multiple times and repeatedly asked to be taken back to Comanche, but Musgrove ignored his requests and continued driving.

The minor said he told Musgrove that he had to use the bathroom. Musgrove pulled into a church parking lot and the boy ran approximately three-tenths of a mile to the residene to get help. 

Undersheriff Matthew Brown, Deputy Rylan Brammer, and Deputy John McDevitt arrived to assist. Undersheriff Brown and Deputy Brammer began searching for the suspect, while Deputy McDevitt went to interview potential witnesses at the locations the two may have been seen. A “Be On The Lookout” (BOLO) alert was issued for the suspect’s vehicle, described as a gray or silver Ford Edge or Escape.

The minor, who lives in Exeter, Calif., was visiting his sister in Comanche. After ensuring the minor did not require medical attention, Deputy Jones transported him to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Jones contacted the sister to briefly inform her that the minor was safe and unharmed and asked her to contact their father in California.

At the Sheriff’s Office, Investigator Daniel Picazo was briefed on the situation. The father contacted the office and gave permission for the minor to provide verbal and written statements. At approximately 7:36 p.m., The minor was released into the custody of his sister.

While statements were being taken, other deputies located Leland Musgrove at his home, and he was brought to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview. Following the interview, Musgrove was arrested, placed in wrist restraints, and transported to the Stephens County Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office has requested that the District Attorney’s Office review the report and pursue charges against Leland Musgrove for kidnapping.

According to court records, Musgrove pleaded guilty in 1993 on two counts of sexual abuse of children in Comanche County. He served eight years of his 20-year sentence and was released in 2001.

In a press release, Stephens County Sheriff Rick Lang asked if anyone else had any similar incidents involving an elderly male approaching and inappropriately attempting to interact with an underage person to please contact the sheriff’s office at 580-255-3131.