JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 9-year-old boy has been safely returned after being abducted by a woman while he was selling water at the roadside. A passerby intervened to help, as revealed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

Police said Friday, June 27, officers responded to Northwest Jacksonville after a “disturbing” 911 call. 

The young boy was vending water beside the road when a woman allegedly stopped and attempted to entice him into her vehicle. Upon his refusal, police stated that the woman, identified as Mikaya Williams, forcibly pulled him into the car and drove away.

A family friend of the child witnessed the incident and followed Williams’ car to West 45th Street. When the vehicle stopped, police said the Good Samaritan quickly got the child out of the car and blocked the suspect’s vehicle until officers arrived.

Williams was arrested at the scene and faces kidnapping charges, a first-degree felony. She is being held at the Duval County Jail without bond.

Police said the child was safely reunited with his family.