KENTWOOD, MICHIGAN — Weeks after a Michigan fugitive accused of killing a rock singer was arrested after 30 years on the run, another Michigan case is drawing attention. This time, a 14-year-old girl fought off a repeat sex offender who allegedly attacked her while she was walking home from school.
Police say the attack happened around 6 p.m. on May 12 in a quiet neighborhood in Kentwood. The teen was walking on a sidewalk when 29-year-old John Moore allegedly pulled up in a black SUV.
Teen Fought Back and Escaped
Video from the area reportedly showed Moore driving down the residential street before stopping his SUV.
Police say he got out of the vehicle and rushed toward the girl. He allegedly grabbed her and tried to restrain her.
According to court records cited in reports, the teen said Moore told her, “I got you,” during the attack.
The girl fought back and managed to escape. Investigators said she injured Moore while trying to get away.
Moore then ran back to his SUV and drove off.
Second Assault Reported Hours Later
After Moore was arrested, police linked him to another attack.
Investigators say a 66-year-old woman was assaulted the next day in another Kentwood neighborhood. Police said Moore allegedly approached the woman while she was gardening outside her home, made unwanted advances, and assaulted her before leaving.
Authorities said similarities between the two cases helped them connect Moore to both incidents.
Charges and Bail
Moore was charged with assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment.
He is being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on $140,000 bail. Jail records also show he was hit with two probation violations.
Prior Criminal History
Before the latest cases, Moore had already been sentenced to probation for earlier offenses involving women.
Reports say he was previously accused of recording upskirt videos of women in 2023. In one case, a woman saw him looking down at her from the next bathroom stall.
He was also accused of grabbing female customers at a Meijer grocery store after telling them they had a spider on their backs.
Three women reported being assaulted in that case.
Moore was sentenced last August to time served after spending six months in jail. He was also given three years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.
The latest allegations have raised new concern because police say the teen was targeted while simply walking home from school.
To view more cases involving attempted kidnappings, repeat offenders, and brave victims who fought back, check out our video here:
