A horrifying incident occurred at a pharmacy in Miami Beach, Florida, where a 4-year-old boy was nearly kidnapped by a stranger. The boy’s father, Hassan Rodriguez, and his mother were exiting the pharmacy when suspect Nicolas Sternaman entered the store and grabbed the child by the neck in an attempted abduction. Rodriguez quickly intervened, fighting off the kidnapper and saving his son’s life. Surveillance video from inside the store captured the intense struggle between the father and Sternaman as they wrestled for several seconds before Sternaman managed to break free and flee the scene.
After the attempted kidnapping, Rodriguez and another shopper chased after Sternaman, who was quickly apprehended by police officers. The child and his mother were placed inside a cop car for protection while officers dealt with the suspect. The officers on the scene were shocked by the audacity of the attempted abduction, with one remarking that it was the strangest thing he had ever heard. Sternaman was found to be without identification and claimed to be homeless, leading to his arrest on felony attempted kidnapping and misdemeanor battery charges.
The quick actions of Rodriguez in defending his son and the assistance of the brave shopper who helped apprehend Sternaman played a crucial role in preventing a potentially tragic outcome. The intensity of the incident was captured in body camera footage released by the police, showing the fear and distress of the family and the determination of those involved in stopping the kidnapper. Surveillance footage from inside the store revealed the harrowing moments of the attempted abduction and the heroic efforts to thwart the crime.
Following his arrest, Sternaman appeared in court for a hearing to determine his mental fitness to stand trial. The judge found him to be competent to proceed, and he is scheduled to appear in court again on May 31. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers children can face in public places and the importance of remaining vigilant and ready to act in case of emergencies. The bravery and quick thinking of Rodriguez and the shopper helped prevent a tragedy and ensured the safety of the young boy and his family.
The community was shaken by the incident, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the brazenness of the attempted kidnapping. The father’s account of the events, along with the surveillance footage and witness testimonies, painted a clear picture of the terrifying ordeal that the family went through. The support and assistance of law enforcement officers, as well as the actions of concerned bystanders, were crucial in ensuring that Sternaman was swiftly apprehended and taken into custody.
The case highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected dangers and the need for communities to come together to protect one another. The heroic actions of those involved in stopping the attempted kidnapping served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. The family, though traumatized by the incident, was able to find comfort in the knowledge that their son was safe thanks to the bravery and quick thinking of his father and others who helped in apprehending the suspect.
