A woman was confronted by a stranger who demanded access to an infant and pulled on a stroller, according to police. The next day, detectives arrested Ana Taylor in connection with the attempted abduction, after an investigation that began near the 700 block of Seventh Street.
Mother Says She Called Out for Help as Suspect Fled
The Santa Rosa Police Department said in a statement, posted on Facebook, that it received a report of the disturbing encounter near Seventh Street. Police said the encounter occurred Monday. Police said the suspect demanded access to the 10-month-old, then grabbed at the infant and pulled on the stroller, allegedly telling the mother she was going to take the child. The mother called out for help, and a passing motorist stopped to assist her before the suspect fled ahead of officers' arrival, according to police.
No children suffered physical injury in the encounter, police said, but the department's account describes the incident as traumatic for the family. Officers conducted what police described as an extensive search for witnesses, surveillance video and other leads in the hours after the report came in.
Police Obtain a Security-Camera Photo
Police obtained a suspect photo from nearby security cameras, according to police. Police named Ana Taylor as the suspect in the attempted kidnapping.
Police also said Taylor approached a woman walking her dog on Slater Street, challenging and following her.
Charges Filed, Investigation Continues
Taylor was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility, police said. She faces charges of attempted kidnapping, child endangerment and a pretrial release violation, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department.
Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan said an attempted abduction involving a young child can have a profound and lasting impact.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information was asked to contact the department's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Team at 707-543-3595.
In July, a 23-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly entering a Santa Rosa home and picking up a child, according to The Press Democrat.
