A registered sex offender has been arrested for bothering a child in East Redding. On Tuesday a Neighborhood Police Unit Officer on patrol near the Teen Center at Churn Creek and Hartnell saw 60-year-old Robert Place standing over the child, apparently trying to coerce a hug. The officer said the child appeared to be frightened and uncomfortable before the officer intervened. Place was reportedly intoxicated and threatened the officer as he took an aggressive stance. After a struggle he was taken into custody. Place is on parole for assault with a deadly weapon and is a registered sex offender due to an indecent exposure conviction. He was booked into jail and is being held without bail.
-Steve Gibson