BOSTON — The Boston Police Department reported that a suspect was arrested and is now facing charges for kidnapping, indecent assault, and battery on a child.
Police were alerted to the incident at 6:42 p.m. Sunday, May 2. Officers from District 13 received a call about a physical altercation in a Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
The Boston Police Department told Boston 25 that, upon arrival, police spoke to a witness at the scene who observed an unknown male approach a 4-year-old victim, who was playing outside at the time of the incident. The suspect took the child by the hand, picked her up, and proceeded to kiss her before he started walking away while holding her.
A witness then yelled at the suspect to let go of the child and alert the victim’s family, who then proceeded to chase after the suspect. They were able to stop the suspect shortly after on Round Hill Street, police said.
Anthony Jackson, 31, of Jamaica Plain, was placed under arrested and is facing charges with the kidnapping of a child under 16-years-old and indecent assault and battery on a child.
Aranza Bernabel held her daughter’s hand a little tighter after learning a young girl was almost kidnapped by a stranger in Jamaica Plain.
“There’s actually a lot of day cares around here and there’s a school over there too, so it’s a little scary,” said Bernabel as she picked up her 2-year-old from day care Monday.
Police said the 4-year-old girl was playing outside on Plant Court Sunday evening when witnesses say a man walked up to her saying “you’re getting so big,” then picked her up, kissed her and started walking away with her.
Police found the suspect with minor injuries to his face and blood on his shirt.
“Shocking to have something like that happen in this neighborhood, I’m sure it was incredibly scary for the little girl and for her family,” said Morgan Cohen, who lives nearby.
Jackson hid behind a door in court Monday during his arraignment. Prosecutors said he has other open cases involving masturbating in public, and a doctor testified on his long history of mental illness.
The judge ordered Jackson to be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental health evaluation and set his bail at $5,000.
If released, Jackson will need to be on house arrest and stay away from any witnesses in this case.
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