Dramatic rescue after girl, 6, abducted by stranger
Police have rescued a six-year-old girl who was abducted by a stranger while she was riding her bike in the US.
Louisville Metro Police Department recently released the dramatic footage of the rescue. According to the Associated Press, the girl was snatched by the stranger on July 2.
Witnesses to the abduction which happened in Louisville, Kentucky, called the authorities with a detailed description of the vehicle and a partial license plate number.
Soon after police officers were out in force trying to find the girl.
“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.”
Fortunately, police located a car matching the description witnesses provided within 30 minutes and 40-year-old Robby Wildt was arrested and charged with kidnapping a minor.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Louisville Metro Police Department released footage of police apprehending the suspect and rescuing the six-year-old girl from his vehicle.
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In the video, Officer Burba is seen driving in his vehicle en route to where the suspect's car was located.
The policeman then exits the vehicle and approaches a red-coloured car.
"One more in the car," someone says over the police radio, as the officer approaches.
"Open the passenger door," someone is heard yelling in the video.
The police officer approaches the vehicle and finds the girl in the car, crying.
He calmly picks her up and reassures her it's okay.
"I want my daddy," the girl is heard saying as the officer takes her away.
Witnesses describe child's horrifying abduction
Speaking to WHAS-TV, neighbour Prentiss Weatherford said he saw a car come around the corner and park in the middle of the street before the abduction.
He then saw a man get out of the vehicle and grab the little girl “by the collar, threw the bike, put her in the passenger seat, and then took off".
Mr Weatherford chased the vehicle down the street and was able to record some of the number plate.
Police said stranger abductions are rare, but stressed it was a good opportunity for parents in the area to talk to their children about stranger danger.
“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," police spokesperson Beth Ruoff said.
"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.”
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