Toddler kidnapped, citizens alert police to suspicious man

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Some concerned citizens in South Dakota are being credited with stopping a kidnapping by flagging down police about a suspicious man carrying a young child.

Sioux Falls police say a group of people flagged down officers on patrol Saturday and directed them to the man and child.

Officers stopped the 36-year-old man who told them he was the uncle of the 1-year-old child, but couldn’t identify the parents. Officials also say he told police that he was being shot at and was concerned for his safety, KOTA-TV reported.

Officers arrested the man on an outstanding warrant. A short time later, police received a call saying the 1-year-old had been taken from her home after a man forced his way inside, pushed past the babysitter, took the child and left.

Police said the man was loosely acquainted with the child’s parents and went to their apartment while they were at work.

Officials have not released a motive. The man is facing charges of second-degree kidnapping and drug possession.