A reportedly homeless man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to snatch a one-year-old girl from her mother outside a supermarket in Bergamo, Italy, on Saturday.
Surveillance footage captured the alarming moment as the mother and her toddler approached the automatic doors to exit the Esselunga store. The child’s father was also present, seen pushing a shopping cart just behind them.
As the family stepped outside, a man wearing a blue hoodie and green pants moved in close. Video shows him leaning down and allegedly trying to grab the child and run back into the store. The mother held tightly to her daughter’s arm as the suspect attempted to pull the toddler away.
The struggle quickly escalated. The mother collided with a sign near the entrance and fell to the ground while still trying to keep hold of her daughter. The father rushed forward, and nearby shoppers ran to help as the chaotic scene unfolded.
Italian State Police said officers responded to the scene and later arrested the suspect. Authorities charged him with attempted aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault following witness interviews and a review of surveillance footage.
After the incident, the toddler was transported to a hospital and diagnosed with a fractured femur. According to medical experts, the femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, typically requiring significant force to break. Treatment often involves surgery and physical therapy for recovery.
The suspect is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
The footage has sparked widespread reaction online, with many expressing shock and relief that the child was not taken. Social media users described the scene as “horrifying” and offered prayers for the toddler’s recovery.
