ORLANDO, Fla. – A man who tried to kidnap a child at Orlando International Airport was pinned to the ground by travelers who saw him snatch the girl, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Police said the 8-year-old victim was with her mother at the airport Saturday night when Alfredo Hernandez Sanchez, 49, approached her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, picked her up and walked away with her.
The girl screamed as Sanchez yelled, "This is my girl," according to the affidavit.
Two witnesses confronted Sanchez and pinned him to the floor near the B side exit until an officer arrived and took Sanchez into custody, the report said.
An officer credited the two travelers for saving the girl.
"The intervention of the witness and unknown male prohibited from completing this criminal act," an officer wrote in the affidavit.
OIA passenger Jessica Davis said she was happy to hear that good Samaritans stepped in to stop Sanchez.
"I’m glad he got caught and I hope he doesn’t do it again. And I’m glad it wasn’t my kids because I’d probably gone to jail too," Davis said.
Police said the child was mentally traumatized by the incident, although she had no physical injuries.
Sanchez, of Kissimmee, was charged with attempted kidnapping.
Airport officials said workers are fully trained to address safety and they’re now being more vigilant after Saturday’s scare. Many parents at the airport on Monday said they are watching their kids more carefully and they are happy Sanchez isbehind bars.
Orlando Police said they believe this is an isolated incident and that there are layers of security at the airport.
Police haven't released where the victim and her family are from.