A terrifying scene unfolded in an Italian supermarket as a one-year-old girl became the target of a brazen kidnapping attempt. Security footage captured the shocking moment a man snatched the child, triggering a desperate struggle and a wave of panic.
The incident occurred at an Esselunga supermarket in Bergamo, Italy. A family – mother, father, and their young daughter – were exiting the store when a man suddenly seized the little girl, pulling her away from her parents with alarming force.
The mother’s screams pierced the air as she fought to regain custody of her child. The father immediately abandoned his shopping cart, diving into the fray to protect his daughter. A chaotic tug-of-war ensued, with bystanders quickly realizing the gravity of the situation and rushing to intervene.
Security guards swiftly joined the effort to subdue the assailant, wrestling him to the ground amidst the escalating chaos. Police were immediately dispatched to the scene, arriving to find a frantic struggle and a terrified family.
Authorities quickly secured the child, ensuring her safety before detaining the man. Witness accounts and the crucial CCTV footage provided a clear picture of the attempted kidnapping, aiding in the investigation.
The ordeal wasn’t without consequence. The young girl was rushed to a local hospital where doctors discovered she had suffered a fractured femur during the violent struggle. The injury underscores the brutality of the attack.
The man, identified as a Romanian national experiencing homelessness, now faces serious charges. He has been arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping of a child under 14 and aggravated assault, and remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
Investigators meticulously reviewed witness statements and the surveillance footage, solidifying the case against the suspect and leading to the charges. The swift response of security, bystanders, and law enforcement prevented a potentially far more tragic outcome.
