A Florida woman is facing kidnapping charges after she allegedly attempted to abduct a 3-year-old boy from his backyard, according to police reports and bodycam footage. Pamela Monsalve, 39, was seen by vigilant neighbors as she reached over a fence to pick up the child who was playing outside his home in Hallandale Beach on November 25.
Witnesses reported that Monsalve began to walk away with the child in her arms. The quick-thinking neighbors immediately intervened, questioning her actions. One of them managed to capture a photograph of the incident and promptly alerted the child’s mother.
Surveillance footage obtained by local media outlets shows that a pair of neighbors called on Monsalve to stop. Following their intervention, Monsalve released the child, who quickly ran back home. Police arrived shortly after and arrested Monsalve.
In her defense, Monsalve claimed that she was merely trying to help the child. She stated that the child was outside and unclothed, and she had asked people around to call the police, but no one responded. She also claimed that the child was on a playground, according to video footage.
Hallandale Beach Police Capt. Megan Jones emphasized the importance of community vigilance in such situations. “Make sure you pay attention to your kids, your surroundings, make sure you know your neighbors and your neighbors know you,” she advised. She added that this incident was a prime example of neighbors stepping in to prevent a potential tragedy.
Authorities have confirmed that Monsalve and the child’s family were not acquainted. A prosecutor expressed the distress such an incident could cause a parent, stating, “I can’t imagine what act can cause more extreme fear, distress in a parent than having somebody, not knowing who, go into their property, their fenced-in property and removing their 3-year-old child.”
As of Monday night, Monsalve remains in custody without bond, according to local news reports.