A man and a woman who attempted to kidnap a 1-year-old child as her mother walked her in a stroller in Long Beach last week have been charged.
“Having your child abducted is every parent’s nightmare. That the individuals made this attempt on a city street in broad daylight makes it that much more alarming,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said. “Here in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, safety is our primary concern and we will hold accountable those that threaten the safety of innocent victims, especially children.”
Stacie Wilson, 55, and Walter Sullivan, 45, are each charged with one count each of attempted kidnapping of a victim under the age of 14, and two counts each of assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. Wilson also was charged with two counts of criminal threats.
On August 20, Wilson approached a woman walking with her 1-year-old daughter near East Pine Avenue and East 10th Street. Wilson allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them and demanded the child. The mother resisted.
Sullivan is accused of driving up next to them, pointing a gun and firing what appeared to be BB pellets.
As other witnesses began to take notice, Wilson fled in the vehicle with Sullivan.
The case remains under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department.