LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Lumpkin County man was arrested Sept. 20 on charges of attempted kidnapping, burglary, simple battery and criminal trespassing.

According to the incident report, Ian Joseph Almeida, 30, told Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jacob Smith he and Danielle Cole went to a residence on Martins Ford Road to collect money that was owed to Cole.

When they arrived, the person who allegedly owed the money was not there, but Almeida said a juvenile female appeared to be in danger and uncomfortable with the adults on the scene so he attempted to grab her and take her to safety. When she ran from him, he pursued her to a neighboring home and broke a door to enter the residence. He stopped his pursuit when he learned police were on the way.

But Cole said she repeatedly told Almeida she knew the family and the girl was safe and he continued his pursuit.

Almeida was then handcuffed and transported to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.