Sulphur Springs Police: Tyler Man Tries to Have Sex with Child via Ad

SULPHUR SPRINGS — A Tyler man allegedly attempting to have sex with a child was arrested late Wednesday in Sulphur Springs. According to KETK, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders said Joshua Strickland, 30, was taken into custody on suspicion of solicitation of a child for sexual conduct and possession of a controlled substance. Strickland is accused of planning the meetup via a Craigslist ad, but in reality, the suspect was talking to an internet crimes against children officer posing as a 15-year-old girl, according to police.

At around 11 p.m., Strickland arrived at a convenience store located near the intersection of League and Camp Streets, said Sanders. He was arrested at the scene and later booked into the Hopkins County Jail. Police said Strickland had already rented a room at a local hotel. The possession charge stems from officers finding meth during the arrest, according to officials. Sanders says the suspect admitted to the crime during interviews.