A 6-year-old Kentucky girl who was snatched from her bicycle by a stranger was found quickly, returned to her family and a suspect was charged with kidnapping thanks to the quick actions of neighbors and police, authorities said.

Those who witnessed the girl being taken from her Louisville neighborhood July 2 swiftly called 911 with a detailed description of the vehicle and a partial license plate number, police spokesperson Beth Ruoff told news outlets.

She said officers responded immediately and saturated the area.

“You just can’t get there fast enough,” said officer Jason Burba, who was among those responding. “Seconds feel like hours. Your only thought is getting there as fast as you can.”

Police found a car matching the description given within 30 minutes and arrested Robby Wildt, 40, who was charged with kidnapping a minor. He has pleaded not guilty.

Neighbor Prentiss Weatherford, who witnessed the child being taken, told WHAS-TV he saw a car come around a corner and park in the middle of the street. He said a man got out and grabbed the girl “by the collar, threw the bike, put her in the passenger seat, and then took off.”

Weatherford said he chased the vehicle and was able to get a partial license plate number.

When officers found the vehicle, body camera video shows Burba opening the passenger's side door to find the crying girl while Sgt. Joe Keeling places Wildt under arrest.

“I want my daddy!” the little girl cries as Burba carries her from the car.

Stranger abductions are rare, police said.

"Although we do not want the community to be alarmed, this is certainly an educational opportunity for parents to remind their children that ‘stranger danger' is real. It is important to talk to your kids about any adult who tries to use a ruse to lure them to their vehicles or away from public view,” Ruoff said.

Share:
More In Culture
Best Cocktails to Try This Summer
Cheddar's Michelle Castillo sits down with Jane Danger, national mixologist with Pernod Ricard, to talk all about the top summer cocktails to try with friends.
'The End is Nye' With Bill Nye the TikTok Guy and His Natural Disasters Streaming Series
Bill Nye the Science Guy is back but on an even smaller screen. America’s favorite science teacher has racked up more than eight million followers on TikTok, and he joined Cheddar News to talk about his success on the platform, having fun but also being serious about scientific topics like tackling climate change, and his newest hosting project "The End is Nye," a streaming show on Peacock that examines disasters — both natural and manmade. "There are six episodes. We have big disasters. Things go terribly wrong, and then we show you how things could have gone right," he explained.
Summer Guide: Skincare & Sunscreen
With the temperature heating up and summer around the corner, we're all enjoying the great outdoors once again. As much as you love a day at the beach, it's important to remember that the beautiful weather can take a toll on your skin if you aren't careful. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry joins Cheddar News to discuss.
In Entertainment: 'Top Gun,' Tea With Paddington and the Queen & MTV Awards
Catching you up on today's entertainment headlines with "Top Gun: Maverick" hitting $500 million at the box office, Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Platinum Jubilee — with Paddington Bear, Mariah Carey being sued over her hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You," coverage from the MTV Music and Video Awards, and more.
What A Tight Labor Market Means For The Economy
The labor market continues to be hot, with job openings at record highs and jobless claims dropping by the thousands. While that's good news for workers, experts say it can add to inflation risks and make the Fed's job even harder when it comes to cooling inflation. José Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, breaks down what a tight labor market means for the economy.
Load More