EFFINGHAM COUNTY — A 37-year-old Flora man has been arrested for an alleged attempted kidnapping.

According to Effingham authorities, sheriff’s deputies responded around 7 a.m. Friday to a hotel lobby in the 1300 block of Mid America in Effingham on a report of an attempted kidnapping.

Police say a physical altercation between 37 year old Matthew J. Kelledes of Flora, hotel staff and patrons occurred prior to police arriving. Police quickly engaged Kelledes and tasers were ultimately deployed.  A child was unharmed in the incident.

Kelledes was taken into custody and transported to the Effingham County Jail on an outstanding Illinois Department of Corrections warrant and pending charges of Class 2 felony kidnapping that is punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison, and a fine of up to $25,000.

The incident is being investigated by the Effingham City Police and Effingham County State’s Attorney Office.