Police in Louisiana are investigating after a 10-year-old boy said he escaped two men who locked him in a vacant home last week.
Per a report from People Magazine, the incident took place in the Algiers area of New Orleans on September 19. Alleged kidnappers seized the victim while he was walking home from a school bus stop with his 6-year-old sibling, occurring right before 5 p.m.
The unknown suspects, described and two men dressed in black and wearing ski masks, allegedly pushed the 6-year-old down and grabbed the 10-year-old.
“My 6-year-old runs inside screaming and hollering hysterically saying they took my brother,” the children’s mother said.
The suspects reportedly pointed a gun at the 10-year-old before throwing him into a van and driving away.
The boy told police that the assailants took him to an abandoned home and told him to undress to his underwear.
“They wanted to take a picture of me, I’m not sure why, but when they attempted that, one of them left,” the victim explained to FOX 8 on Friday morning. The remaining individual said he would “be right back.”
According to the child, another boy, seemingly his age, was present in the house. The duo decided to escape together after the alleged kidnappers secured the entrance.
“They [the men] locked the door, ensuring it was secure, which prompted us to try kicking it down. I managed to break through the door and then ran away,” the child recounted.
The boy said he ran toward home when he saw his father in the neighborhood, searching for him.
The boy’s mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful for the strength I instilled in my child, allowing him to be strong in that critical moment.” She noted that he ran towards home clad only in his underwear.
So far, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been named. Details regarding the other alleged victim are unclear.
Sgt. Barry Fletcher with the New Orleans Police Department told People that they are treating the incident as an aggravated kidnapping.
Individuals with any information should contact the NOPD Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040. An anonymous tip can also be submitted to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans by calling 504-822-1111 or visiting www.crimestoppersgno.org.
[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
