Naples Man Arrested After Suspicious Encounter With Girl in Golden Gate

NAPLES — Local law enforcement has taken swift action after a suspicious encounter between a man and a girl in the Golden Gate area, which has heightened concern among parents and neighbors alike.

A 41-year-old Naples resident, identified as Cleannord Saintil, was arrested Tuesday afternoon in the vicinity of 16th Place Southwest and Hemingway Circle, following an investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

According to CCSO, the encounter initially occurred last Thursday morning near Green Boulevard and Heritage Circle. The girl was walking toward her bus stop when a man on a bicycle approached and engaged her in conversation. Deputies say she later reported the incident and provided a description of the individual.

Investigators say Saintil was located on 16th Place SW later that day, and he now faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior. Records suggest he previously was accused in an October 2022 sexual battery case at Fleischmann Park—a case that remains pending.

In the immediate aftermath, CCSO increased patrols around school bus stops in Golden Gate. Capt. Brian Sawyer (of the Prevention & Misdemeanor Services Division) noted that law enforcement is treating the situation as an attempted luring incident and urged extra caution in the community. Earlier this month, a similar encounter was reported near Sunshine Boulevard, about a mile away. In that case, a teenage girl said a man wearing a hoodie and mask tried to lure her; no arrests have been made in that incident.

Community members expressed unease over the timing of the incident, which coincided with school drop-off hours. Several parents said they now double-check walking routes, remind children not to talk to strangers, and adjust home departure times to ensure safety in daylight. Some requested more visibility of deputy patrol cars during morning commutes. While CCSO increased presence immediately, no deputy vehicles had been seen near the affected bus stop just before the incident was reported.

Law enforcement is still seeking additional witnesses or tips to confirm further details. CCSO encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact their nonemergency line or Collier County Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips may also be eligible for rewards.

The incident underscores the delicate balance between vigilance and fear in communities where children commute independently. Local crime data suggests that crimes against minors occur at low rates, but the emotional impact of even one suspicious event reverberates through neighborhoods.

To reduce risk, CCSO offers these general safety recommendations:

• Walk in pairs or groups whenever possible

• Vary your route slightly from day to day

• Carry a cell phone or whistle and know emergency contact numbers

• Avoid wearing headphones or distractions during walks

• Teach children to trust their instincts—if something feels off, turn back or seek help

Meanwhile, parents and guardians are ramping up safety talks before kids head out in the morning. Several said they plan to walk their children to the bus stop for now, or arrange ride shares with neighbors until confidence is restored.

As this case moves through the legal process, the focus now turns to gathering corroborating evidence and holding the accused to account. For Naples and Golden Gate families, patience amid uncertainty is no small feat.