Man accused of attempted kidnapping of high school student was a minister

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - New disturbing details emerged Tuesday in the arrest of a man DeKalb County Police said attempted to kidnap at 14-year-old high school student.

Officials said that 60-year-old Alvin Joiner attempted to abduct the student as she was walking to Miller Grove High School on Feb. 6. They said he also attempted to lure other girls into his car by offering them rides months earlier.

At the time, police said the student said that she was forced into a light blue mid-size SUV around 7:30 that morning while walking to school by Hillandale Park Drive. The man drove the girl a short distance before letting her out near the high school unharmed, according to police.

Police have accused joiner of similar incidents involving three other girls just months earlier.

DeKalb County Police said Joiner was arrested near Miller Grove High School after an undercover officer spotted an SUV which matched the description of the suspect’s vehicle.

"It had the same letters ‘RIH’ at the beginning of the license plate. He radioed to a uniform [unit]. They did a traffic stop and they were able to take the suspect into custody," said Shiera Campbell, DeKalb County Police Department.

MORE: Police: Man tried to kidnap DeKalb County high school student

What police didn’t know at the time of his arrest was that Joiner was a minister at a Henry County church. He was quickly let go from his position at the New Hope Church in Stockbridge once church leaders learned of his arrest.

Bishop Richard Leaphart told FOX 5 News Tuesday:

"We just learned of Minister Joiner's arrest last night and have issued a letter of dismissal. I am heartbroken by the allegations and pray for the children and their families."

Investigators told FOX 5 News they will expand their investigation based on this new information.

"And working with other jurisdictions to see if there were any other complaints as well either in Stockbridge or other locations," said Campbell.

Joiner was arrested and charged with kidnapping and enticing a child for indecent purposes.