A 69-year-old Smyrna man is in jail without bond after court warrants say he tried to force a 10-year-old boy into a vehicle at an apartment complex on Springbrook Trail. The boy was reportedly holding cups of ice the man used to lure him, then managed to break free and run away crying, according to the documents. Warrants identify the suspect as Jean Bellony, who faces charges of kidnapping and cruelty to children.
What the warrants describe
According to court records, Bellony offered the child cups of ice, then grabbed him by the shoulder and pushed him toward a truck that was waiting nearby before the boy pulled away and escaped. That account was detailed by FOX 5 Atlanta, which reviewed Cobb County warrants and spoke with residents of the apartment complex. The station also published a booking photo credited to the Cobb County Sheriff's Office.
Charges and custody
Court warrants state that Bellony is being held without bond on charges of kidnapping and cruelty to children. The Cobb County Sheriff's Office oversees custody and booking at the Adult Detention Center in Marietta, where official arrest and bond information is maintained.
Neighbors and police advice
An apartment resident told FOX 5, "Everybody should look out," urging neighbors to step in if they see a child in danger. Cobb County Police Sgt. Eric Smith told the station the case should prompt parents to go over safety rules again as summer break approaches, advising close supervision and encouraging kids to tell a trusted adult right away if an interaction makes them uncomfortable.
How to report and stay safe
Police say anyone with information about the incident should contact Cobb County authorities or call 911 to report suspicious behavior. Families are urged to review basic safety habits with children, including staying in groups, keeping parents or guardians within sight, and immediately alerting a trusted adult if someone approaches them in a way that feels wrong.
