Man Charged In Attempted Kidnapping Of Girl From Front Yard

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A man who snatched a 4-year-old girl from her front yard before he was stopped by her 13-year-old brother has been charged with kidnapping and other felonies.

Los Angeles County prosecutors said 61-year-old Earl Duane Williams was also charged Friday with kidnapping to commit another crime, lewd act upon a child and criminal threats. They said he as a prior record of violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities said Williams entered a fenced yard in Lancaster Saturday and grabbed the girl. Her brother yelled for help and grabbed her by the arm, prompting neighbors to come outside and for the man to flee.

Neighbors flagged down deputies and directed them to the suspect.

Williams faces a life sentence in state prison if convicted of all charges.

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