PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A Pinellas Park man is facing charges for sexually battering two underage boys and running from police when they tried to arrest him, according to police.
Investigators say James Humphreys, 53, performed oral sex on the 10-year-old and 12-year-old boys at his home multiple times between September and December of 2018.
According to police, Humphreys' relationship with the boys is a "neighborhood friend."
Police say Humphreys bought his victims gifts and took them out to eat and to the park in an effort to continue the sexual relationship.
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Detectives tried to make contact with Humphreys on Wednesday at his home around 8 a.m., but they say he refused to come to the door to speak with them. After detectives left, Humphreys also left his home, which was under surveillance, police say.
Authorities tried to pull Humphreys over but he started to drive so recklessly that all attempts were called off, according to police.
Later the same day, around 12 p.m., authorities say Humphreys' vehicle was reported at the top of the Skyway Bridge and he was standing on the edge, threatening to jump.
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St. Pete Police units and a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper responded and tried to talk to Humphreys. A detective with Pinellas Park PD, who is a crisis negotiator, arrived at the scene and was able to talk Humphreys off the edge.
Humphreys was taken into custody and refused all interview attempts, police say. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on eight counts of sexual battery and one count of fleeing and eluding.
Detectives believe there might be additional victims, they are asking anyone with more information to contact them.
