by A Texas man with a long history of arrests is now facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl at an apartment complex in Harris County.
Stanley Dotson Charged in Attempted Abduction
Stanley Dotson, 41, was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping after an incident on May 3 at the Bella Vida Apartments, just outside Houston. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Dotson has a troubling past, with at least 26 prior arrests dating back to when he was just 13 years old.
Terrifying Encounter Near Houston
The 13-year-old victim told deputies she was riding her electric scooter with a 9-year-old friend around 8 p.m. when a man began to follow her. She described him as being between 30 and 50 years old, wearing a gray shirt with the word “SHOT” printed on it.
She said the man stared at her, making her uncomfortable, before suddenly grabbing her by the arm and pulling her to the ground. The girl managed to break free and screamed for help, prompting the suspect to release her temporarily.
Father and Witness Intervene
The girl’s father, Pedro Basulto, told ABC13 that the suspect tackled her again as she fled. Fortunately, a neighbor stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, which scared the suspect off. Basulto arrived moments later but said Dotson had already disappeared.
“Thank God, I don’t know why destiny didn’t want me to find him because bad things would have happened,” Basulto said in Spanish.
Suspicious Behavior Caught on Video
Another resident of the complex told local news she captured Dotson on video outside her window shortly before the alleged attack. She claimed he was behaving inappropriately and touching himself.
Apartment managers later emailed tenants a photo of the suspect. The following day, an anonymous tip helped authorities identify the man as Stanley Dotson.
Positive ID and Arrest
Both the victim and a witness positively identified Dotson from a photo lineup. Deputies arrested him on May 8 at his apartment on Airtex Drive—less than a mile from the scene.
Dotson was booked into the Harris County Jail and formally charged with attempted kidnapping. Due to his criminal history, including two prior felony convictions, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to deny bail.
However, during his Thursday hearing, a judge set his bond at $100,000.
