Oregon Dad Wrestles Off Attacker Who Tried to Kidnap Child in Walmart
Denis Villalobos allegedly tried to kidnap a child from a Walmart in Cornelius, Oregon (Washington County Sheriff's Office).
CORNELIUS, Ore. — A father in Oregon acted quickly when a man tried to snatch his child from a stroller at a Walmart just days before Christmas, authorities said.
The incident happened shortly before 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Walmart on 220 N. Adair Street in Cornelius, about 25 miles west of Portland, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded after the man attempted to take the child. The father wrestled with the suspect and managed to prevent the kidnapping. During the struggle, the suspect drew a knife but dropped it before fleeing in a white Jeep. The father sustained minor injuries.
Witnesses recorded the license plate, and deputies located the vehicle nearby. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Denis Villalobos, was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail.
A grand jury has indicted Villalobos on charges including attempted kidnapping, assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing. Surveillance footage captured the incident and the moments leading up to it.
“He looks like he’s staring at the child as the family walks by. And they don’t even know who he is,” Washington County Sheriff’s Cpl. David Huey told local CBS affiliate KOIN. “It’s almost as if the suspect was stalking them in a sense.”
The child’s mother said the experience was frightening. “It’s kind of scary, especially since he lives in the neighborhood. But it’s comforting to know the police are close by and able to respond quickly,” she told KOIN.
Villalobos is scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday.
About Post Author
