A North Carolina Man Tried To Kidnap a 4-Year-Old Boy From a Florida Hotel

On Saturday, a North Carolina man was arrested after attempting to kidnap a 4-year-old boy from a Tampa, Florida hotel room, according to the Tampa Police Department.

While it is not clear why 31-year-old Desmond Johnson was in Florida or why he targeted the family, the brazen abduction attempt took place at about 6:21 p.m. at the Hampton Inn Tampa-International Airport/Westshore hotel located at 4817 W. Laurel St. Authorities say Johnson entered the hotel room where three children were seated on the bed, while their mother was in the bathroom. Once the mother, who has not been identified, heard the children yelling, she ran from the bathroom and witnessed Johnson attempting to take the young boy.

As the mother fought Johnson for the boy, guests across the hall from the room heard the commotion and ran to the family’s aid, bringing the mother and her children into their room. However, a relentless Johnson followed behind them, fighting the occupants and eventually dragging the toddler into the hallway as his mother maintained her grip on the child.

Luckily, an off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy happened to be on the scene and intervened. He was able to hold Johnson until Tampa police officers arrived. Johnson was arrested and charged with one count of attempted kidnapping and two counts of burglary with battery. He is being held in the Hillsborough County jail on $80,000 bail. Neither the child nor the mother were injured, police said.