Stephen Sowe, 28, was arrested after attempting to kidnap a six-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York. (X/@ShomrimCH)
The new york police arrested a 28-year-old man identified as Stephen Sowewho was accused of trying kidnap still niño six years old in the neighborhood of Crown HeightsBrooklyn. The attempted kidnapping occurred on Saturday afternoon, around 3:30 pm, while the minor was walking hand in hand with his father. Kingston Avenuereported NBC New York.
According to a video Shared on social media, Sowe picked up the child with both hands in an apparent attempt to get him away from his father, who managed to hold on to the child and prevent the man from taking him away. Police reported that there were no serious injuries, and the father’s intervention prevented the boy from being separated from his family, according to NBC on November 10, 2024. In the recording, the father is seen holding the boy’s hand while Sowe holds him. rises from the ground in a sudden movement, which generated alarm in the community.
The media reported that Sorrywho resides on the same block where the incident occurred, faces charges of kidnapping attempt, harassment and endangering the well-being of a minor, as reported WABC News on November 11, 2024. Police indicated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and has not yet determined the motivation for the attack. The community has been baffled, since Sowe, who usually interacted respectfully with his neighbors, had never shown suspicious behavior, according to witness statements.
The attempted kidnapping occurred on Kingston Avenue while the boy was walking with his father. (Video capture)
The child’s mother, who was also present, told WABC News that the kidnapping attempt was particularly disconcerting, since the suspect is a neighbor known by the family. The woman claimed that on previous occasions Sowe had been friendly and used to hold the door for his neighbors. However, he added that he had heard rumors that the man had had a “bad day” prior to the incident. “When you live in New York, you don’t expect someone to try to separate a child from their parents in the middle of the street,” said the child’s mother in an interview with the same media.
The attempted kidnapping has generated concern in the jewish community of Crown Heights, especially since the incident occurs in a context of increase in attacks antisemites in New York since October 7 of last year, according to data from the local police. The boy’s mother expressed that although she does not believe that the attack was motivated by hate, the episode was disturbing for the family and has increased tension in an already difficult context for the Jewish community, according to reports. NBC. According to statements from the family, the child will receive therapy to deal with the trauma of the incident.
He New York Post reported that authorities have urged parents to maintain a surveillance constant monitoring of their children in public spaces and have pointed out that teaching minors how to react in dangerous situations can be crucial. He police department has remembered that the prevention and supervision are essential to prevent events like this from occurring in the future, according to information from New York Post. Sowe’s arrest occurred less than 24 hours after the attempted kidnapping, and police continue to gather information to clarify the facts. The community has requested that security measures be reinforced security in the area and has expressed his support for the family.
The father’s quick intervention prevented Sowe from taking the minor; There were no serious injuries. (Illustrative image Infobae)
The identity of Sorry was revealed by the police after his arrest, although so far no previous criminal record has been reported that could shed light on the man’s behavior on the day of the kidnapping attempt. Local media reported that area residents have been concerned about the safety of minors in the community, and some parents have requested a greater police presence on neighborhood streets, reported NBC.
The case of Stephen Sowe joins a series of recent incidents that have put families on alert in New Yorkgenerating a debate around the security measures in areas of high influx of people. The authorities have stressed that although this episode is an isolated case, the increase in community policing It is an appropriate response to events like this, reported WABC.
