Attempted abduction halted in Stratford

Police say they arrested a man who attempted to abduct a 12-year-old girl near her Stratford home Thursday.
Officials say Sylvester Loyd, 49, of Stratford, approached the girl at a gazebo on her street and made inappropriate comments. They say the girl tried to leave and at one point Loyd attempted to block her. She was able to get away and told her mother what happened. Her mother then called the police.
Loyd was later arrested at the gazebo. Police say he did not try to make a getaway. They say he was intoxicated and they believe that contributed to his behavior.
Stratford Academy sent a letter to parents Friday, alerting them of the incident. Neighbors who had typically allowed their children near the gazebo now say they will warn them to stay away from the area.