A Chicago man is under the microscope after Sheriff's police nabbed him for allegedly trying to snatch a minor off the streets, according to Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. The community's watchful eyes played a crucial role, as a Good Samaritan stepped in to scare away the would-be kidnapper.

The unsettling scenario unfolded around 4:43 p.m. on Monday, when a silver SUV shadowed a child for a block in what can only be described as a stomach-churning moment in the 5000 block of South Long Avenue, Stickney Township. A vigilant witness intervened, hurling yells and honking her car horn, which sent the man scurrying away, according to the Cook County Sheriff.

Digging deeper into the incident, sheriff's detectives pinned down the suspect as 39-year-old Arley Carrillo Mendez from South Laramie Avenue. The swift action led to Mendez's collar at his residence, where he was cuffed without a fuss, Sheriff Dart's office detailed.

In a follow-up to the chilling incident, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office dished out a charge of Child Abduction and Luring of a Minor on Tuesday, a Class 4 Felony, for Mendez's alleged action. Appearing in the Bridgeview Courthouse, Mendez was slapped with electronic monitoring as part of his pre-trial containment, with the court stressing his presumption of innocence until – and unless – he's proven guilty.

This close call serves as a stark reminder to communities everywhere about the ever-looming shadow of danger threatening the lives of the most innocent among us. The local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around minors.