A daring attempted street kidnapping took place in North Bergen, New Jersey on April 23, where a 17-year-old girl was forcibly dragged by a stranger in broad daylight. Fortunately, three women and one man passing by bravely intervened and successfully prevented the crime.
The incident unfolded around 3:15 pm on April 23 at the intersection of Bergenline Avenue and 79th Street. According to the police, the girl was walking down the street when a 35-year-old man, Roberto Canavalan, suddenly grabbed her by the neck from behind, attempting to drag her into a nearby alleyway.
Upon hearing the girl’s cry for help, two nurses from a nearby medical office rushed out and engaged in a fierce struggle with the suspect for two minutes. Meanwhile, a passerby woman also joined in the rescue efforts, and a driver quickly stopped their car and got out to assist others in pulling the suspect away.
The police highly praised these individuals who stepped forward. North Bergen Police Captain David Dowd stated that the three women and the man are true heroes. In a situation where others stood by, they showed incredible courage by intervening, and he himself couldn’t express enough gratitude towards them.
The suspect, Canavalan, was arrested on the spot and charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. He is currently being held at the Hudson County Jail awaiting his court appearance. Police confirmed that the girl was physically unharmed.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and willingness to help others in need. The swift and courageous actions of these individuals prevented a potentially tragic outcome and showcased the power of unity and bravery in the face of danger. The community stands together against such heinous acts, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.