A 32-year-old man has been arrested and faces charges of stalking and disorderly conduct after an incident early Sunday afternoon.

Benton County Chief Deputy Troy Heck says officers received a stalking complaint at 12:50 p.m. near Benton County Road 2 by the Rice city limits. The suspect, Ryan Soyka, allegedly approached two 14-year-old girls who were on their way to McDonald’s and offered them a ride. The girls refused his offer and the man then drove off while telling them that he would see them at the McDonald’s.

One of the girls called her mother to come and pick them up because they were afraid of the man’s statement and behavior. The girls continued their way towards the McDonald’s. When they neared the Shepherd of the Pines Church, they saw the man and his vehicle parked in the lot of the church. The man started running after them. 

At that point, the mother had already arrived there and the girls ran toward the mother’s car and got into her car while being chased by Soyka on foot. The girls described the car as a blue sedan with a gray driver’s door. Deputies then found a car matching with the description given by the girls on Monday, October 13. They questioned Soyka who admitted to making contact with the girls.

Soyka is now in Benton County Jail. His bail is set at $8,000. There is no known permanent address given for Soyka.