Attempted-abduction suspect denied bond in Henrico

A Henrico County judge yesterday ordered William Scott Baker held without bond and set a hearing on an attempted-abduction charge for September.

William Scott Baker, who appeared disoriented and apologetic during a brief video appearance from the Henrico jail, was arrested Saturday night after police said he tried to abduct a 4-year-old girl from a parking lot in the 4000 block of Cox Road. The girl's family and passers-by detained Baker until police arrived, authorities said.

He also faces three assault charges and a charge of being drunk in public.

Baker, 46, pleaded with Judge Sharon B. Will of Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to free him on bond so he can enter an alcohol-rehabilitation program.

He said his arrest is "a great big misunderstanding. I have an alcohol problem. This is not who I am."

Baker said he has lived with his mother all his life and has no money and no job. His family declined comment yesterday when asked about Baker's past. Court records show multiple convictions for being drunk in public and driving under the influence.

-- Bill McKelway