Man accused of forced home abortion on minor

LAKELAND -- A 21-year-old Fort Pierce man is accused of nearly killing a child after impregnating her and then forcing a home abortion on her.

Papouche Edmond, left, was arrested Wednesday in Polk County on charges of lewd battery on child under 12, aggravated child abuse, impregnating a minor, aggravated battery and tampering with evidence.

Port St. Lucie police and St. Lucie Sheriff's detectives had been tracking Edmond for months. CrimeStoppers received a tip from south Florida that Edmond was hiding at an address in Lakeland. The U.S. Marshals Tampa Bay Area Fugitive Task Force responded to the home, arresting Edmond on the outstanding warrants.

U.S. Marshals spokesman Marc Howard said Edmond's victim, whose specific age was not available tonight, almost died as a result of the injuries she sustained when he terminated her pregnancy in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Edmond is being held in Polk County without bond and awaits transfer to St. Lucie County.

Rebecca Catalanello, Times staff writer