LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A 6-year-old Kentucky girl who was snatched from her bicycle by a stranger was found quickly, returned to her family and a suspect was charged with kidnapping thanks to the quick actions of neighbors and police, authorities said.
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Those who witnessed the girl being taken from her Louisville neighborhood July 2 swiftly called 911 with a detailed description of the vehicle and a partial license plate number, police spokesperson Beth Ruoff told news outlets.
She said officers responded immediately and saturated the area.
“You just can’t get there fast enough,” said officer Jason Burba, who was among those responding. “Seconds feel like hours. Your only thought is getting there as fast as you can.”
Police found a car matching the description given within 30 minutes and arrested Robby Wildt, 40, who was charged with kidnapping a minor. He has pleaded not guilty.
Neighbor Prentiss Weatherford, who witnessed the child being taken, told WHAS-TV he saw a car come around a corner and park in the middle of the street. He said a man got out and grabbed the girl “by the collar, threw the bike, put her in the passenger seat, and then took off.”
Weatherford said he chased the vehicle and was able to get a partial license plate number.
When officers found the vehicle, body camera video shows Burba opening the passenger’s side door to find the crying girl while Sgt. Joe Keeling places Wildt under arrest.
“I want my daddy!” the little girl cries as Burba carries her from the car.
Stranger abductions are rare, police said.
“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,” Ruoff said.
Why are people here discussing race or politics. The man was a sicko.
The police officers did an outstanding job.
I don’t know the child, I don’t know the family, and I don’t know the police officers.
But one thing I do know, is that they put their own life in danger every day, and they don’t get any credit for it.
To all me in Blue, we got your back, and we will never let them DEFUND YOU!!!!!
Any disgusting racist comments regarding the perpetrator?
No? Nothing?
I wonder why.
To continue my previous comment, the suspect is being held on one million dollar bond, and the judge ruled he has to hire his own attorney as he will not be given a public defender.
we need a racist comment, so here ya go
$%k
looks like this guy was not a b
Phineas is correct – why are there comments here about race? But seeing as the topic was already brought up, I searched the internet and found that the neighbours who reported the kidnapping and chased after the suspect were lily White as were the police officers who caught the suspect and rescued the child. And the police report states that the suspect was bringing the girl back to her home.
This is a problem for the hateful Triumphinwhitehouse. Doesn’t fit his delusional perception of reality. This guy is White American.