VIDEO: Would-be kidnapper tries to snatch toddler from stroller, struggles with mom

Friday, August 12, 2016
Surveillance video shows suspect trying to snatch child in Glendale
Dramatic surveillance video captured the frightening moment when a would-be kidnapper tried to snatch a 14-month-old right out of a stroller in Glendale.

GLENDALE, Calif. -- A 52-year-old woman has been arrested in connection to two attempted kidnappings this week in Glendale, police said.

The suspect, identified as Lisa Arnold of Glendale, was taken into custody at 2:30 a.m. Friday, police said.

Investigators said they worked overnight to conduct interviews and serve search warrants.

The two kidnapping attempts occurred on Wednesday.

A map shows the locations of two attempted child kidnappings in Glendale within 20 minutes of each other on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016.
KABC

In the first case, the suspect tried to snatch a 14-month-old toddler from a stroller near the intersection of Chevy Chase Drive and Adams Street around 5 p.m.

The mother fought back, and the suspect fled. This frightening incident was caught on surveillance video.

Dramatic surveillance video captured the frightening moment when a would-be kidnapper tried to snatch a 14-month-old right out of a stroller in Glendale.

Another angle shows a silver vehicle pulling up right alongside her and coming to a stop. The driver exits the car, approaches the mother and is seen leaning down toward the child in the stroller.

Though the view of the camera is partially obstructed by a car, the footage shows a struggle between the suspect and the mother. The suspect is then seen running away, out of the camera's view.

The suspect in this case was described as a woman with short, black hair wearing heavy, winter-style clothing.

The second attempt occurred around 25 minutes later and less than a half mile away outside John Marshall Elementary School, located at 1201 East Broadway.

An 8-year-old boy called 911 to report that someone tried to kidnap his 3-year-old brother.

According to police, the victim's mother was standing nearby and was able to stop the kidnapping. The suspect fled the scene in a small four-door silver vehicle, authorities said.

Police were initially trying to figure out if the same suspect was responsible for both incidents. In a statement released Friday, police confirmed that Arnold was arrested for both attempted kidnappings, and authorities are not looking for any other suspects.

The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact the Glendale Police Department at (818)937-8596.