Worcester Girl Allegedly Dragged From Backyard In Kidnapping Attempt
WORCESTER (CBS) - Residents in one Worcester neighborhood are on edge after an alleged attempted kidnapping of a young girl from her own backyard on Friday night.
WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports.
A man, reportedly wearing a mask, tried to kidnap a 12-year-old girl from her backyard on Canterbury Street.
"This is the worst experience ever," said Michelle Arnold, the mother of the girl. "You always think it happens to somebody else and never happens in your own neighborhood... wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. People need to watch their kids."
Arnold also had a message for the suspect. "You'd be very stupid to come back here," she warned. "These children are going to be watched night and day. If this was your first time, consider it a warning. Kids are very precious to people, you got away with it the first time. The next time you won't be so lucky."
Neighbor Holly Wilson said the girl was picking flowers for her stepmother when the man emerged from the railroad tracks behind the house and tried to drag her away.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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Wilson says the man was able to drag the girl through several yards but her screaming scared him off.
"Briefly I heard 'mommy, come help me,' so I ran in my backyard and she said 'over here, please, help me.' Her father came running in behind me and jumped the two fences and lifted her up. She had marks all over her face and her back," said Wilson.
The girl was apparently hit in the face during the attack and suffered several scratches.
Neighbors say police used dogs to try and find the suspect, but so far have not made any arrests.
