Man attempts to kidnap 6-year-old boy in Coney Island

In the United States, specifically in Coney Island, Brooklyn, a shocking incident occurred on the night of July 6, 2025. A 36-year-old man attempted to abduct a 6-year-old boy while he was walking with his parents. According to video footage, the suspect, dressed entirely in black and wearing a notably tall hat, scooped up the child as he lagged behind his parents moments before 10 PM. The child's screams alerted his parents, leading to a desperate chase that foiled the kidnapper's plans. After briefly carrying the boy, the suspect dropped him on the sidewalk and fled on foot, attempting to escape as the boy's parents took off after him. Witnesses reported that the suspect was familiar to locals, which raised concerns about his previous behavior and potential future actions. As the chase ensued, the boy was thrown to the ground, but fortunately, his parents quickly caught up to the man. Following a scuffle, the child's mother was able to push the suspect down, and he was subsequently restrained until police arrived. Officers from a nearby post responded rapidly, confirming the details of the incident and arresting the alleged kidnapper. The child, initially in a state of distress, was assessed for minor injuries and later transported to Coney Island Hospital. He was reported to be in stable condition, although visibly shaken by the event. The urgency of the parents' actions was underscored by their visceral reaction to the attack. The mother expressed her frightening realization as she watched a stranger treat her son like a football, emphasizing how close they came to a potentially tragic outcome. Many concerned bystanders witnessed the episode unfold, highlighting not only the danger represented by the suspect but also the courageous response of the parents. In reflecting on the incident, the mother of the child desired severe legal repercussions for the suspect, aiming for felony charges that would ensure he cannot harm another child.