Long Beach woman indicted for trying to grab toddler from stroller
Prosecutors say Magone ran at the man and began attacking him while trying to take control of the stroller. The two struggled, and the stroller - with the toddler strapped inside - tipped over during the altercation.
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A Long Beach woman has been indicted after prosecutors say she tried to take a toddler from a stroller during a struggle with the child’s great-grandfather.
Heather Magone, 40, was arraigned Thursday on a grand jury indictment charging her with attempted kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment. She pleaded not guilty.
Authorities say the encounter began as the woman, barefoot and walking her dog, approached the 79-year-old man on West Penn Street on April 6 as he was out for an afternoon walk with his 15-month-old great-granddaughter.
Prosecutors say Magone ran at the man and began attacking him while trying to take control of the stroller. The two struggled, and the stroller - with the toddler strapped inside - tipped over during the altercation.
Magone allegedly continued trying to reach for the child, but the man managed to push her away and restrain her until Long Beach police arrived.
He suffered cuts to his face, hands, and knees.
Prosecutors say Magone continued her attempts even after officers reached the scene, allegedly standing up and trying to pull the toddler from the stroller and ripping open the child’s sleep sack before she was taken into custody.
Magone is due back in court on June 23. If convicted, she faces between three and a half and 15 years in prison. Bail was set, and if released, she must wear an electronic monitoring device. Two orders of protection have also been issued.
