Florida man tracked down, arrested after trying to kidnap four-year-old child from Lehigh Acres Walmart (Video)

On December 30, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) headquartered in Fort Meyers, Florida, reported on a kidnapping attempt that went down a day earlier at a local Walmart in the Lehigh Acres area.  Deputies responded in force to that Walmart located on Lee Boulevard on December 29 after receiving the call.

Upon arriving on the scene, deputies learned that a man, later identified as 64-year-old Pablo Pintueles Hernandez, attempted to take a four-year-old child away from his family by grabbing the child and walking away with him.

You can view the kidnapping attempt, the resulting surveillance footage, and the ultimate arrest video of Pablo Pintueles Hernandez on the Sheriff Office’s website below.

Deputies reviewed the surveillance footage and confirmed that an unknown man walked up to the child shopping with his family, grabbed his wrist, and forced him to go in his direction before a family member intervened and pulled the child back. 

Deputies worked with the Lee County Real Time Intelligence Center Analysts to identify the suspect. Together, analysts and deputies utilized advanced technology to quickly identify and locate Pintueles Hernandez. Within an hour of the incident, deputies responded to the residence of Pintueles Hernandez where his identity was confirmed. 

Due to the nature of the crime, Lee County Major Crimes Unit detectives responded to the home and began investigating. 

“What this criminal did is incredibly disturbing,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “I never want anyone in Lee County to feel unsafe, especially going on a simple shopping trip. My team will stop at NOTHING to ensure criminals like this face the consequences of their actions.”

Through investigative techniques, detectives learned Pintueles Hernandez did grab the child’s wrist, pull him, and state “let’s go,” restraining the child’s movement and directing him to walk with him.

Detectives established probable cause to arrest Pintueles Hernandez for False Imprisonment of a Child 13 Years Old and Under. 

“Utilizing the latest and greatest technology is key to solving crimes quickly and efficiently,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “The teamwork displayed during this incident from our Communications, Patrol, Real Time Intelligence Center, and Major Crimes Unit is unmatched. Their dedication to the safety of our citizens is the reason why this man is behind bars, at the Marceno Motel.”

Reportedly, the attempted kidnapping is proving worrisome to those parents that frequent this particular Walmart. 

Ariana Ferguson went shopping Saturday morning at the same Walmart where the attempted kidnapping took place. She says she is worried about her daughter’s safety. “It’s very scary because I come here all the time with my daughter,” said Ferguson. “I am surprised because I’ve never heard of this happening. I’ve been living here for about three years.”  ~ WESH

Other parents are also worried for their children’s safety. “To even think about it I would freak out and tell parents, really watch your children these days,” said Lehigh Acres Parent Charles Swift. “I am shocked it would happen here.”

For more on the Florida Walmart kidnapping attempt and another look at the video, see below.

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(Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)
(Cover photo, mugshot of Pablo Pintueles Hernandez, Image credit: LCSO / Mugshot Zone)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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