Great-Grandpa Fights Off Alleged Kidnapper Trying to Abduct His 14-Month-Old

The 79-year-old great-grandfather wrestled the suspect to the ground to protect his great-granddaughter during the attack.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby stroller's safety buckle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the struggle to protect a child from an attempted kidnapping.A harrowing close-up reveals the aftermath of a great-grandfather's desperate fight to save his great-granddaughter from an alleged kidnapping attempt.Long Beach Today

A 79-year-old great-grandfather in Long Beach, New York is being hailed as a hero after he fought off a 40-year-old woman who allegedly tried to kidnap his 14-month-old great-granddaughter while they were out for a walk. The great-grandfather managed to wrestle the suspect to the ground and pin her down until police arrived on the scene within one minute of the altercation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the vulnerability of young children in public spaces and the bravery of family members who will go to great lengths to protect their loved ones. It also raises questions about mental health, public safety, and the response time of law enforcement in preventing potential child abductions.

The details

According to police, the alleged kidnapping attempt occurred just after noon on Monday, April 6 when the great-grandfather was out for a walk with his 14-month-old great-granddaughter in a stroller. Surveillance video showed a 40-year-old woman, later identified as Heather Magone, following closely behind the great-grandfather and child. Magone then allegedly began unbuckling the child from the stroller, prompting the great-grandfather to wrestle her to the ground. He was able to pin Magone down with one arm while holding onto the stroller with the other. The child's mother said Magone was "clawing at him, biting him, and grabbing at him" during the attack.

  • The incident occurred just after noon on Monday, April 6.
  • Heather Magone was arraigned on Tuesday, April 7.

The players

Heather Magone

A 40-year-old woman who was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping after allegedly trying to abduct the 14-month-old child from her great-grandfather.

The Great-Grandfather

A 79-year-old man who fought off Magone and protected his 14-month-old great-granddaughter during the alleged kidnapping attempt.

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What they’re saying

“He's almost 80 years old, and he fought with his life. And it could have just ended so much, so much worse.”

— The Child's Mother

“This man was able to protect his Great Granddaughter from a violent attempted abduction, but also had the situational awareness to hold onto the stroller with his other hand.”

— Long Beach Police Deputy Inspector Stefan Chernaski

What’s next

Heather Magone was arraigned on Tuesday, April 7 and is being held on $50,000 cash/$100,000 bond bail. The case is ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

The takeaway

This heroic act by the great-grandfather demonstrates the lengths that family members will go to protect vulnerable children. However, it also raises broader concerns about public safety, mental health, and the need for a swift law enforcement response to potential child abductions.