Watch CBS News

'Hero' Bronx School Helper Stops Attempted Kidnapping Of 6-Year-Old

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A school helper in the Bronx is being praised as a hero for stopping the attempted kidnapping of a young boy.

John Velasquez said he saw the suspect, described as a man in his 50's with a thick grey and white beard and mustache, grabbing the boy in front of P.S. 160 in the Bronx last Friday around 7 a.m. Police said the suspect tried to coax the 6-year-old to to come with him to his house.

1010 WINS' Al Jones Hears From John Velasquez

Podcast

"Right then and there, it just clicked in me -- my gut feeling -- just told me let me go find out if this is a family member," Velasquez told 1010 WINS' Al Jones.

Velasquez said he knew that something wasn't right and asked the boy if he knew the man.

Despite the suspect claiming to be the boy's uncle, it turned out he wasn't and Velasquez  pulled the boy behind him while holding his broom handle in the other hand ready to give the suspect a whack, 1010 WINS' Jones reported.

"His eyes told the whole story," Velasquez said, describing the suspect. "He had intentions...he had bad intentions."

Police are still looking for the suspect and released a sketch last Friday.

The suspect is described as a black male with a dark complexion, a thick grey & white beard and mustache. He was wearing a black baseball cap, green camouflage pants and black boots, police said.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Share your thoughts in the comments section below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.