This is a parent’s absolute worst nightmare!
New video surveillance footage shows the horrifying moment a man allegedly tried to kidnap a 4-year-old boy right in front of his parents. According to Local 10, law enforcement said the incident occurred around 11:55 a.m. on Thursday when the child was leaving a CVS Pharmacy in Miami Beach, Florida, with his parents. In the security video, the mother could be seen walking out of the store ahead of her son and husband. As the woman was almost out the door, a man stepped inside and suddenly grabbed the boy by the neck! OMG!!!
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He then lifted the kid off the ground and turned to face the door to leave. However, the dad quickly went into protective mode! He dropped his belongings and pounced on the guy, pulling on him until he let go of his son. Meanwhile, the mom had turned around and hit the man. Once the scared little one was free, she immediately picked him up and ran further inside the store. A massive fight between the alleged kidnapper and father continued. However, the man managed to get away from the dad, exit the doors, and flee the scene.
Per Local 10, the guy left his jacket at the pharmacy as it came off during the brawl. Police said the father and other witnesses followed him as he ran down the street, claiming he also took off his sweater and threw it. Thankfully, officers were able to locate him. They arrested the man, who they have since identified as 26-year-old Nicolas Sternaman.
Sternaman now faces felony charges of aggravated child abuse and battery. Detectives asked anyone with more information about the case to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. You can see the surveillance footage of the attempted kidnapping (below):
What a scary incident! Reactions? Let us know in the comments.
[Image via Miami-Dade County Corrections, CBS Miami/YouTube]
