A 6-year-old Kentucky girl was returned to her parents after being snatched from her bike by a stranger.
The kidnapping took place on July 2 in a Louisville neighborhood. Witnesses of the kidnapping were able to provide police with a detailed description of the criminal’s car and a partial plate number, ABC News reports.
One of the witnesses, a neighbor, Prentiss Weatherford, said he saw a car come around a corner and park in the middle of the street. He said a man then got out of the car, grabbed the girl “by the collar, threw the bike, put her in the passenger seat, and then took off.” Weatherford followed the car and was likely able to get a partial license plate number.
Police immediately responded to the area, the news outlet reports. “You just can’t get there fast enough,” said officer Jason Burba. “Seconds feel like hours. Your only thought is getting there as fast as you can.”
Just 30 minutes later, police were able to track down a car that matched the witnesses’ description. Police arrested the suspect Robby Wildt, 40. He was charged with kidnapping a minor. ABC News reports the man is pleading not guilty.
Body camera footage shows Burba opening the passenger door of the car to find the stolen child crying. “I want my daddy,” the little girl could be heard saying.
“Although we do not want the community to be alarmed, this is certainly an educational opportunity for parents to remind their children that ‘stranger danger’ is real. It is important to talk to your kids about any adult who tries to use a ruse to lure them to their vehicles or away from public view,” said police spokesperson Beth Ruoff said.
What in the world was he going to do to that poor baby! He was too bold but the quick reaction of the neighbor saved that child from a nightmare of abuse.