A disturbing video has surfaced from Peoria, showing the moments before a man allegedly tried to kidnap a mother and her baby.
The incident happened near the area of 67th Avenue and Happy Valley Road, where a woman was walking with her child in a stroller.
The security footage shows a man walking casually behind the mother. As she moves forward with the stroller, the man can be seen following closely.
At one point, he appears to quickly close the gap between them. That’s when the woman realizes something is wrong.
According to Peoria police, the man suddenly reached for the baby and tried to take the stroller. The mother immediately fought back, pulling her child away and yelling for help. Neighbors nearby heard the commotion and rushed over. The suspect quickly ran away before anyone could catch him.
Police said the woman and her child were not physically hurt. Officers arrived soon after and began searching the area, but the suspect had already fled the scene. The suspect is described as a man in his 20s or 30s, wearing a hoodie and jeans at the time of the incident.
Authorities are asking the public for help in identifying the man seen in the video. If anyone has any information, they are urged to contact Peoria police right away.
The mother is being praised for her quick response and bravery. Residents say this incident has left them shaken, and many parents are now being extra cautious when walking with their children in public.
Police are still investigating and hope the video will lead to an arrest soon.