Long Beach woman arrested after allegedly trying to snatch toddler out of stroller
Authorities allege that Heather Magone approached the child while the toddler was being pushed in a stroller by her 79-year-old great-grandfather.
A woman was arrested in Long Beach after police say she attempted to take a 14-month-old child from a stroller.
According to court documents, the incident happened Monday on West Penn Street.
Authorities allege that Heather Magone approached the child while the toddler was being pushed in a stroller by her 79-year-old great-grandfather.
Investigators say Magone shouted, “This is my child, I have a license,” before trying to take the child.
The child’s great-grandfather intervened and wrestled Magone to the ground. During the struggle, police say she bit and scratched him, and the stroller was knocked over with the child still inside.
The child’s mother said the incident has been a wake-up call, even in a neighborhood she has always considered safe.
"We do have to be more vigilant. I never thought about this happening in Long Beach," the child's mother said. "This feels like a very safe neighborhood. I know people leave their doors open. I hope and pray this is just this one person, just one incident."
Magone has been charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. She is scheduled to appear in county court on Wednesday.
