Terrifying Video Shows Florida Man Trying to Drag Teen Girl Out of Grocery Store in Failed Kidnapping Attempt
Police arrested a Florida man who was allegedly seen on camera dragging a teen girl through a grocery store in a failed kidnapping attempt on Tuesday, authorities say.
The harrowing video allegedly showed 30-year-old Craig Bonello calmly pushing a shopping cart before grabbing the 13-year-old girl and attempting to drag her out of the Dollar General in Hernando just before noon.
The child's mother sprung into action: She caught up to the suspect and freed her daughter from his grasp after a tug of war with the suspect, who then fled the store, Citrus County Sheriff's office said in a statement.
Bonello was caught and arrested and will be charged with kidnapping and child abuse, the sheriff's office said. No one was injured in the attack and the incident is under investigation.
"In my 10 years on the road I have never seen anything like this," Sgt. Craig Callahan said of the incident the statement. "He truly intended to abduct this child right in front of everyone in the store."
Off-Duty Cop Caught Suspect
The child's mother wasn't the only hero in the thwarted kidnapping. Deputy Jonathan Behnen, who was off duty at the time, happened to be in the store when Bonello tried to flee the scene.
"The store manager … yelled to [Behnen] that the man running away had just tried to kidnap a child," police said in the statement.
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"Behnen jumped into action, pulling his patrol car in front of the suspect's vehicle as he tried to exit the parking lot. He then ordered the man out of the car with his weapon in hand."
Police said Bonello has a criminal history, including trespassing, aggravated battery and other misdemeanors.
Bonello's uncle told NBC News that Bonello has had problems over the years and needs help.
"It's just sad that this has happened, because this is not the kid that grew up with my kids," Tony Bonello said of his nephew. "He needs to talk to some psychiatrists and find out what the issue is."
It is unclear whether Bonello has entered a plea or has an attorney.
Commander Buddy Grant described Bonello as "someone who needs to be behind bars."
"Thank goodness the girl's mother jumped into action to prevent this man from kidnapping her daughter," Grant said in the statement.
"Thank goodness Dep. Behnen used his training and experience to stop this man from escaping," Grant added. "He won't be getting out anytime soon to do this again."
