A father in Florida nearly had his 4-year-old son kidnapped while they were leaving a pharmacy in Miami Beach. The suspect, identified as Nicolas Sternaman, allegedly grabbed the small child by the neck in an attempted abduction. The father, Hassan Rodriguez, jumped on the man and managed to free his son from the abductor’s grasp. The two men engaged in a physical struggle, with Rodriguez eventually ripping off Sternaman’s jacket. Despite breaking free, Sternaman was chased down by Rodriguez and another shopper and was quickly arrested by the police.
The incident took place in broad daylight, leaving the family shocked and terrified. Rodriguez and his wife, along with their young son, had just arrived in the area from Cuba. The father’s quick instincts and actions helped prevent a potential tragedy as he fought off the kidnapper and protected his child. The dramatic encounter was captured on surveillance video from inside the store, showing the intensity of the struggle between Rodriguez and Sternaman. Another shopper who witnessed the events called 911, allowing the police to track down and arrest the suspect.
Following his arrest, Sternaman claimed to be homeless and denied having any identification. He has been charged with felony attempted kidnapping and misdemeanor battery charges and is currently awaiting trial in jail. During a court hearing, it was determined that Sternaman is presumed to be competent to stand trial. The judge set his next appearance for May 31, according to court records. The entire incident left the officers on the scene shocked and bewildered at the brazenness of the attempted abduction in a public place.
The bravery and quick actions of Rodriguez and another shopper prevented a potential tragedy from occurring in the attempted kidnapping. The community rallied together to ensure that the suspect was apprehended and brought to justice. The family, particularly the young child and his mother, were protected by the police as the investigation unfolded. Despite the terrifying experience, the family was able to avoid a devastating outcome thanks to Rodriguez’s courageous actions. The incident highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in protecting loved ones from potential dangers in public spaces.
The entire incident left a lasting impact on those involved, with the shocked officers and witnesses reflecting on the gravity of the situation. The good Samaritan who helped chase down Sternaman emphasized the danger of the attempted abduction and the potential consequences if the suspect had succeeded. Sternaman’s court appearance shed light on his mental state and his ability to stand trial, further underscoring the seriousness of the charges he faces. The community response to the incident serves as a testament to the importance of looking out for one another and taking action in the face of danger to prevent harm from befalling innocent individuals.
