HIDALGO, TEXAS -- Local and federal authorities have arrested a man living north of Mercedes in connection to a recent kidnapping and said he cased the neighborhood for three days before making his move.

During a press conference Thursday morning at the Hidalgo Police Department, officials released details of the arrest of Christian Elijah Lee McMillan, 23.

McMillan is accused of kidnapping 4-year-old Lesley Perez of Hidalgo while she played in her front yard Tuesday night.

Lesley's 12-year-old sister tried to help free her sister from the alleged kidnapper, but authorities say the man knocked the sister down and drove off with Lesley in a white Ford F-150.

Several law enforcement agencies identified the suspect Wednesday night and made an arrest.

They found Lesley at a farm in the area of Mile 11 and F.M. 1425 north of Mercedes.

McMillan was leasing a room at the farm.

He is a carnival worker from California.

McMillan is being held at the Weslaco Police Department.

Officers said McMillan claimed he was on drugs when he kidnapped the girl.

Authorities also revealed McMillan has a criminal history of abusing children and suggested his past crimes were sexual in nature.

Lesley was checked out at a local hospital and released to her parents.

Officials would not release any details regarding whether she was physically or sexually abused.

Witnesses told police that McMillan had been spotted in the neighborhood before. 

Authorities believe he may have been 'casing' the neighborhood and looking for children.

The investigation is ongoing.

McMillan will be arraigned on Thursday in Hidalgo County.