Masked man attempts to kidnap 6-year-old boy in Brooklyn; suspect arrested

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NEW YORK — Surveillance footage released by a community patrol group captured the alarming moment when a man in Brooklyn allegedly attempted to kidnap a 6-year-old boy in broad daylight, snatching him from his father’s side as they walked down the street.

The incident occurred Saturday in the Crown Heights neighborhood and was recorded by a nearby security camera. The video, shared online by the Crown Heights Shomrim Patrol in coordination with the NYPD’s 71st Precinct, shows a masked man suddenly grabbing the child before the father quickly intervenes, preventing the abduction.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., this deeply concerning incident took place in the heart of Crown Heights. We are working hand in hand with the @NYPD71pct in identifying the perpetrator. Kudos to the father for his quick action. pic.twitter.com/ozZLKntYvo

— CH Shomrim (@ShomrimCH) November 10, 2024

The NYPD identified the suspect as Stephan Stowe, 28, who was arrested on Sunday. He faces charges including second-degree kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment. Authorities have not released additional details about Stowe’s background or any potential motive.

“This deeply concerning incident took place in the heart of Crown Heights,” the Crown Heights Shomrim Patrol said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Kudos to the father for his quick action.”

The Crown Heights Shomrim Patrol is a private community organization serving New York’s Jewish population, working closely with local police on safety initiatives. The patrol group’s swift dissemination of the video helped raise awareness of the attempted kidnapping and contributed to Stowe’s quick apprehension.