Alleged attempted kidnapper on New York City street throws 6-year-old as parents chase him down
Share this @internewscast.com

A man has been apprehended after attempting to abduct a 6-year-old boy in Coney Island, Brooklyn, before hurling the child at his parents who were in pursuit, according to the police.

On Sunday night, the streets were filled with people enjoying the final hours of a holiday weekend.

Roy Gantt, Sharon Robinson, and their son Rah’Shem Gantt were out shopping for popcorn when an unknown man, clad entirely in black and sporting a tall hat, unexpectedly seized Rah’Shem. As the parents quickly realized what was happening and gave chase, the stranger dropped the boy to the ground.

The incident was captured on video.

“I turned around and saw a man grab him and flee down the boardwalk. He dropped Rah’Shem when he noticed us pursuing him,” Roy Gantt recounted, adding that it sounded like the boy hit his head on the pavement.

Gantt said he and the boy’s mother chased the man and pinned him down for about four minutes until police arrived.

“That was someone who attempted to kidnap my son, then assaulted him,” Gantt said.

“It was scary,” Rah’Shem said.

The crowded streets were full of witnesses, and several stayed with the crying boy and his toddler sister while his parents ran after the suspect and pinned him.

“The cops came and thought we were jumping on somebody for no reason. We had ten, 15 people come up and vouch for us,” Roy Gantt said.

“I had my foot on his chest to hold him down. I didn’t have the heart to stomp him,” Robinson said. “Violence is not my way.”

The suspect, 36-year-old Jonathan Robalino, was arrested and is now charged with assault and attempted kidnapping. The New York Police Department said the suspect has had prior interactions with police and remains in custody.

“It was just shocking. I’m a mother myself so we all ran over to see what was happening,” bystander Nora Smiles recalled.

The 6-year-old was deemed healthy after being examined at Coney Island Hospital, although his father says he never wants to return to Coney Island again.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Dancing with the Stars' recap: 'Dedication Night' has nostalgia, emotion and a surprising end

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Recap: ‘Dedication Night’ Stirs Up Emotions with Nostalgia and an Unexpected Twist

LOS ANGELES — It was “Dedication Night” in the “Dancing with the…
‘Wizards’ Star Janice LeAnn Brown And ‘Vampirina’s Kenzi Richardson On Leading The Next Generation Of Disney Breakouts: “So Glad That We Get To Bring Disney Back”

‘Disney’s Next Generation: Janice LeAnn Brown of ‘Wizards’ and Kenzi Richardson of ‘Vampirina’ on Reviving the Magic’

Over the past ten years, the golden era of Disney Channel has…
Florida carries out record 14th execution this year on man convicted of killing 2 women

Florida Executes 14th Inmate of the Year, Setting Record; Man Found Guilty of Murdering Two Women Executed

STARKE, Fla. (AP) — A man convicted of murdering two women in…
Texas National Guard deploys 200 troops to Illinois for federal protection mission amid protests

Latin Kings Leader Accused in Border Patrol Murder-for-Hire Scheme Indictment

An alleged leader of a Chicago gang, accused of plotting to murder…
Jaisol's Taco Tour 2025: Heir to carnitas throne, Marcos Carbajal, shares favorite authentic Little Village, Pilsen spots

Jaisol’s Taco Adventure 2025: Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas King Successor, Reveals Top Authentic Spots in Little Village and Pilsen

CHICAGO (WLS) — Back by popular demand, ABC7 meteorologist Jaisol Martinez hit…
Mississippi executes man after 30 years on death row for student murder: 'Justice must be served'

Mississippi Executes Inmate After 30 Years: A Landmark Closure in Student Murder Case

A man from Mississippi, found guilty of the rape and murder of…
Trump storms most violent US city with federal muscle as police group warns of soft-on-crime consequences

Trump Targets America’s Most Violent City with Federal Support as Police Leaders Caution Against Lenient Crime Policies

The Trump administration’s deployment of federal law enforcement officers to one of…
Freed hostages' loved ones thank Trump for reuniting them after more than two years

Families of Released Hostages Express Gratitude to Trump for Their Reunion After Over Two Years

After over two years, 20 liberated Israeli hostages were joyfully reunited with…
Man charged in 41-year-old cold case murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco in Lynbrook, Long Island

Charges Filed in 41-Year-Old Cold Case: 16-Year-Old Theresa Fusco’s Murder in Lynbrook, Long Island Reinvestigated

In Nassau County, New York, a decades-old murder mystery has finally been…
Pop-Tarts brings back discontinued flavor, launching Pop-Tarts Protein

Pop-Tarts Reintroduces a Former Favorite Flavor and Unveils the New Pop-Tarts Protein Line

The fan-favorite flavor was last seen in 2022. WASHINGTON — This fall,…
Judge temporarily blocks firing of federal workers during shutdown

Federal Judge Issues Temporary Halt on Dismissals of Government Employees Amid Shutdown

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt the dismissal…
Owen Shroyer Declares Debating the Left “Fruitless” as Right Must Evolve to Win

Why Debating the Left is a Losing Strategy: Owen Shroyer Urges the Right to Innovate for Victory

In a recent video, Owen Shroyer expressed his belief that engaging in…