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Mariska Hargitay surprises girl who fought back against attempted kidnapping

By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

An 11-year-old girl used what she learned watching “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” to help lead police to the capture of the man who allegedly tried to kidnap her.

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The girl, identified as Alyssa Bonal, was at a bus stop when a man jumped from his vehicle and tried to snatch the girl. The incident was caught on camera.

Video from May 18th, attempted kidnapping. Around 7:00 this morning, a white Dodge Journey pulled up to an 11-year-old girl waiting at a bus stop on Old Corry Field Road and Perdido Street. As you could see in this video. A Hispanic male exits the vehicle reportedly armed with a knife. The suspect then grabs the little girl and a struggle ensues. She was able to fight and break free from the suspects grip. She is safe and with family. If you have any information about this incident, call the ECSO at 850-436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP. WEAR ABC 3 News, Pensacola WKRG FOX10 News WPMI NBC 15 News NewsRadio 92.3 Cat Country 98.7 NorthEscambia Pensacola News Journal WUWF Island Times - Pensacola Beach's Newspaper

Posted by Escambia County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, May 18, 2021

She said the man was holding a knife as he tried to drag her to his car, but she fought back and both fell. He ran back to the car, but not before she left a clue on the man that police said was able to use connect him to the alleged attempted kidnapping, The Associated Press reported.

Alyssa had been playing with blue slime, and she spread that slime on the man’s arm.

>> Related: 11-year-old girl fights off would-be kidnapper in Florida; suspect arrested, identified

She had been inspired by the show she watches with her mom, “Law & Order: SVU.”

“The suspect, when we caught him, had blue slime all over his own arms,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said in a news conference, according to the “Today” show.

“I knew that might be better evidence if the cops do find him,” Alyssa told the “Today” show.

Alyssa’s quick thinking was noticed by the star of “Law & Order: SVU,” Mariska Hargitay, who shared the girl’s story on social media.

Hargitay also got to meet Alyssa on the “Today” show Friday, where the actress told the teen, “I’m so incredibly honored to meet you.” She also called Alyssa her hero.

“You’re amazing, sweetheart. You’re amazing and strong and brave. And what’s most important to everyone is that you’re OK, and that’s the most beautiful gift that we all have,” Hargitay said during their virtual sit-down.

Hargitay also surprised Alyssa with a signed script from the show.

Jared Paul Stanga has been charged with the attempted kidnapping and aggravated assault and battery. He’s being held on more than $1.5 million bond, the AP reported.

Cox Media Group

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