NYPD: Man arrested for attempting to snatch 6-year-old boy in Coney Island
The boy was taken to NYC Health+Hospitals/Coney Island and is now stable.
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A family says a 6-year-old boy is recovering after a terrifying attempted kidnapping in broad daylight on a busy Coney Island street.
The parents say the incident happened Sunday as they were walking near Nathan's on Surf and Stillwell avenues.
Video shows a man picking up the child and running before quickly dropping him to the ground.
“He bumped into me and threw me on the sidewalk,” said 6-year-old Chase.
Police arrested 36-year-old Jonathan Robalino, who is now facing several charges, including attempted kidnapping, assault and failing to exercise control of a minor.
“I tell parents, you have to watch your children,” said Sharon Robinson, Chase’s mother. “They’re attacking children now.”
Chase’s father described the horrifying moment he saw the suspect running with his son.
“He was running like he had a football, like someone going for a field goal,” he said.
Despite being in a crowded, well-patrolled area, the attempted abduction shocked the community.
Several neighbors told News 12 they’ve seen Robalino in the area before and believe he may be homeless.
“I don’t know if it’s a cry for help,” Robinson said. “But someone needs to do something about these homeless and lunatic people walking around.”
Chase’s parents say he woke up with migraines the next morning and is now being seen by a neurologist.
