Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping of Young Boy

Man Arrested In Coney Island After Attempted Kidnapping Of 6-Year-Old Boy

Published: October 26,2023 at 1:00 PM

A terrifying incident unfolded in Coney Island as a 36-year-old man,Jonathan Robalino,was apprehended after allegedly attempting to abduct a 6-year-old boy. The attempted kidnapping occured at the bustling intersection of Stillwell and Surf Avenues, leaving the community shaken and prompting renewed calls for vigilance.

Reports indicate that Robalino allegedly picked up the young boy, identified as Chase, and began to walk away with him. Fortunately,the suspect quickly dropped Chase and fled the scene when confronted. The child sustained minor injuries, being thrown to the sidewalk during the struggle.

“He bumped into me and threw me on the sidewalk,” Chase recounted following the ordeal. Officers swiftly arrested Robalino around 9:30 p.m., and he now faces charges including attempted kidnapping, assault, and failing to exercise control of a minor.

Chase was transported to Coney Island Hospital in stable condition. His mother, Sharon Robinson, issued a stark warning to parents, emphasizing the need for constant supervision.”I tell parents, you have to watch your children. They’re attacking children now,” she stated.

The boy’s father described the suspect’s actions as resembling someone running with a football,desperately attempting to reach a field goal. The family reports that Chase has been experiencing migraines and is now under the care of a neurologist since the traumatic event.

The attempted kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Coney Island community. Several residents recalled seeing Robalino in the neighborhood and suspect he may be experiencing homelessness. Some are questioning the availability of resources for individuals in need.

Robinson expressed concern, stating, “I don’t know if it’s a cry for help, but someone needs to do something about these homeless and lunatic people walking around.” The incident has ignited a conversation about public safety and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

this incident underscores the importance of community awareness and proactive safety measures. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to educate their children about stranger danger. Local authorities are reviewing security protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What charges does Jonathan Robalino face? He is charged with attempted kidnapping, assault, and failing to exercise control of a minor.
• What is the condition of the child? The child was taken to the hospital in stable condition and is now receiving neurological care for migraines.
• Is the community safe? While this incident is deeply concerning,authorities are working to ensure the safety of residents. Increased vigilance is advised.

Disclaimer: This article reports on a criminal incident and includes statements from those affected. It is not intended to provide legal or medical advice. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the appropriate authorities.

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Details of the Arrest & Incident

On July 8, 2025, authorities in[CityState-[CityState-replace with actual location]announced the arrest of[Suspect’sName-[Suspect’sName-replace with actual name], 32, in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a seven-year-old boy. The incident occurred at approximately[TimeofIncident-[TimeofIncident-replace with actual time]near[LocationofIncident-[LocationofIncident-replace with actual location, e.g., Elm Street Park].

According to police reports, the boy was walking home from a friend’s house when he was approached by the suspect. Witnesses reported seeing a man attempting to coerce the child into a vehicle. Thankfully,the boy resisted and screamed,attracting the attention of nearby residents who intervened.

Suspect’s Description: [Detaileddescriptionofthesuspect-[Detaileddescriptionofthesuspect-replace with actual details, e.g., approximately 6’0″, 180 lbs, wearing a blue jacket and jeans].

Vehicle Description: [Descriptionofthevehicleinvolvedifany-[Descriptionofthevehicleinvolvedifany-replace with actual details, e.g.,a silver sedan with a damaged rear bumper].

Charges filed: the suspect is currently facing charges of attempted kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and potentially other related offenses.

Witness Accounts & Initial Inquiry

Initial investigations reveal that the suspect had been observed in the area on previous occasions,seemingly observing children. Several parents have come forward with similar concerns, reporting feeling uneasy about the man’s presence near schools and parks.

“He was just…watching,” stated[witnessname-[witnessname-replace with actual name], a local resident. “I saw him several times near the playground, just standing there. It felt off.”

Police are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and residences to gather more facts about the suspect’s activities and potential motives. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting children.

Understanding Attempted Kidnapping & Child Abduction Risks

Attempted kidnapping and child abduction are serious crimes that evoke critically important fear and concern within communities. While statistically rare, understanding the risks and preventative measures is crucial.

Common Tactics Used by Abductors

Law enforcement agencies have identified several common tactics used by potential abductors:

1. Luring: Offering candy, toys, or assistance to gain a child’s trust.
2. Deception: Posing as a figure of authority (e.g., police officer, teacher) or a family friend.
3. Coercion: Using threats or intimidation to force a child to comply.
4. Physical Force: Attempting to physically grab or restrain a child.

Risk Factors & Vulnerable Locations

Certain factors can increase a child’s vulnerability to abduction:

Walking Alone: Children walking alone, especially during non-peak hours.

Lack of supervision: Insufficient adult supervision in public places.

Trusting Strangers: A child’s tendency to trust unfamiliar adults.

Locations: Parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and areas with limited visibility.

Safety tips for Parents & children: Preventing Abduction

Protecting children requires a proactive approach. Here are some essential safety tips:

“check First” Rule: Teach children to always check with a trusted adult before going anywhere with anyone,even someone they know.

Stranger Danger: Explain the concept of “stranger danger” in an age-appropriate manner. Emphasize that a stranger is anyone they don’t know well.

Safe Routes: Establish safe walking routes to and from school, friends’ houses, and other destinations.

Buddy System: Encourage children to walk with a friend whenever possible.

Awareness of Surroundings: Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and to trust their instincts. If something feels wrong,they should immediately remove themselves from the situation and seek help.

Screaming & Resistance: Instruct children that it’s okay to scream, yell, and resist if someone tries to take them.

Personal Information: Teach children not to share personal information (name, address, school) with strangers.

Online Safety: Monitor children’s online activity and educate them about the dangers of online predators.

Resources for Child Safety & Abduction Prevention

Several organizations offer valuable resources and support related to child safety and abduction prevention:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): https://www.missingkids.org/ – Provides resources, support, and assistance to families of missing children.

Amber Alert: https://www.amberalert.gov/ – Information about the AMBER Alert system and how it works.

Local law Enforcement: Contact your local police department for information about child safety programs and resources in your community.

* Family Watchdog: https://www.familywatchdog.us/ – A public database of registered sex offenders. (Use with caution and