A man from Florida was recently apprehended by St. Petersburg police after allegedly attempting to kidnap a two-year-old boy from his home’s backyard. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ron Lee Klein Jr., was discovered by police officers who were in the vicinity shortly after the alleged kidnapping attempt on December 27.
According to the arrest affidavit, Klein is said to have entered the private, enclosed backyard of a St. Petersburg residence through the gate. It is alleged that he then tried to seize the toddler. However, the family dog, having noticed the intruder, began to bark loudly, alerting the boy’s foster mother to the unusual activity.
The foster mother, whose identity was not disclosed in the affidavit, was alerted by the dog’s barking and saw Klein in her backyard. She began to chase and shout at Klein, causing him to flee without the child. The affidavit further stated that Klein allegedly tried to lift the toddler by his arm but ceased his actions when the dog’s barking alerted the foster mother.
The affidavit also revealed that Klein confessed to trespassing on the property. Surveillance cameras also captured him entering the premises.
Klein was subsequently charged with a felony count of attempted kidnapping and a misdemeanor count of trespassing. He made a court appearance on December 29 and is currently being held on a bail of $151,000. No further court date has been set.
Court records indicate that Klein has a long history of arrests dating back to 2007, with his most recent arrest occurring in May 2023. At that time, he was charged with trespassing, resisting an officer with violence, and battery of a police officer. He recently pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced to time served.