Modesto Woman Accused Of Trying To Kidnap 3-Year-Old Girl
MODESTO (CBS13) - A 3-year-old Modesto girl was nearly kidnapped in her own front yard Monday.
"Never have we ever heard that going on here," said Modesto native Joanna Carrillo, who lives around the corner from where the abduction took place.
According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office, the child was playing in her own front yard when it happened.
"That's very scary. It can happen in seconds," said Carillo.
Sheriff's Office deputies say 32-year-old Crystal Melena claimed the child was her own and tried to grab her but was quickly chased away by the little girl's parents.
"It's like my life is going away with them," said Carillo, who explains this is the nightmare scenario.
"My kids come out here and play. This world is becoming crazier and crazier each day," she said.
Carillo is breathing a sigh of relief knowing Melena was taken into custody after the 3-year-old's family and local law enforcement worked together to track her down.
"Parents should just be so attentive to their kids; it doesn't matter if they're two steps away. Keep an eye on your kids," she said.
Melena was tracked down near the Modesto Airport and was identified by the family as the person who attempted to kidnap the child.