A man was taken into police custody after he was caught trying to snatch a 6-year-old boy off the street.
The attempted kidnapping took place in Coney Island at the intersection of Stillwell and Surf Avenues. According to reports, Jonathan Robalino, 36, picked up the boy, Chase, and tried to walk off with him before he was caught. He quickly dropped the boy and took off running.
“He bumped into me and threw me on the sidewalk,” Chase said after the incident.
Officers arrested the suspect around 9:30 p.m. The child was taken to the Coney Island Hospital in stable condition. The suspect is in custody and has been charged with attempted kidnapping, assault, and failing to exercise control of a minor.
Chase’s mother, Sharon Robinson, said, “I tell parents, you have to watch your children. They’re attacking children now.” The boy’s father described the incident as the suspect was running with his son.
“He was running like he had a football, like someone going for a field goal,” he said. The attempted kidnapping left many people in the community in shock. A few people recall seeing Robalino in the neighborhood and believe that he is homeless.
“I don’t know if it’s a cry for help,” Robinson added, “But someone needs to do something about these homeless and lunatic people walking around.” Since the incident, Chase’s parents say that he has been waking up with migraines and now sees a neurologist.