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Child Kidnapped While Walking Dog, Rescued from Hotel
Police tracked victim's phone to hotel, forced entry to save 12-year-old girl
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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A 12-year-old girl was kidnapped while walking her dog in Galveston, Texas, and sexually assaulted by her captor. Police were able to track the victim's phone to a local hotel, force entry into the room, and rescue the child.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers children face online and the importance of quick police action to rescue victims of kidnapping and sexual assault. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger measures to prevent such crimes.
The details
According to police, the 12-year-old victim met her 27-year-old captor, Graham Dunn, on social media. On January 30, Dunn allegedly forced the girl into his car while she was walking her dog. The child was able to keep her phone, which sent an emergency ping to the authorities. Police traced the victim's phone to the Galveston Beach Hotel West, but hotel staff initially refused to provide access to the security cameras. The SWAT team insisted, and upon reviewing the footage, they saw Dunn enter a room with the child. After knocking and receiving no response, the officers forced entry and rescued the victim. Dunn was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault. Authorities revealed that Dunn had a history of missing court appearances, fleeing the area, and facing charges related to sex crimes against children and adults in multiple states.
- On January 30, the 12-year-old girl was kidnapped while walking her dog.
- Police tracked the victim's phone to the Galveston Beach Hotel West.
The players
Graham Dunn
A 27-year-old man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. He has a history of missing court appearances, fleeing the area, and facing charges related to sex crimes against children and adults in multiple states.
Galveston Police Department
The law enforcement agency that rescued the kidnapped child and arrested the suspect.
What they’re saying
“I didn't really give them an option to, you know, 'We don't have access to the cameras.' 'We need to call someone right now, we need to wake them up, get them down here, because we are watching the cameras. Very respectfully, I'm not giving you an option.'”
— Joshua Nino, SWAT officer (KTRK)
What’s next
Dunn is facing charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault, and authorities said he has other charges pending. The judge will decide on his bail status in the coming days.
The takeaway
This case highlights the urgent need to protect children from online predators and the importance of swift police action to rescue victims of kidnapping and sexual assault. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger measures to prevent such crimes from occurring.
