A frightening incident occurred in Coney Island, NYC, on Sunday, July 6, when a man reportedly attempted to abduct a 6-year-old boy in broad daylight, only to be pursued and stopped by the child’s parents.
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According to police, 36-year-old Jonathan Robalino grabbed Rah’Shem “Rah Rah” Gantt off a busy sidewalk near Stillwell and Surf Avenues. The shocking incident, partially captured on video, shows the man taking off with the child before the boy’s parents and bystanders sprinted after him.
NEW: Would-be kidnapper grabs 6-year-old boy off Coney Island street but lets him go after the child’s parents chase him down
36-year-old man tried to snatch a young boy who had fallen slightly behind his parents
During the chase, Robalino reportedly dropped the child to the pavement. The boy suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. His mother heroically tackled the suspect and held him down near a candy store until police arrived.
Robalino, who police say is emotionally disturbed, now faces charges of attempted kidnapping and assault. He appeared in court Tuesday, where his attorney requested psychiatric care instead of jail time. The judge denied bail and set a bond of $50,000. His next court appearance is set for later this week.
