A Mexican illegal immigrant, who had been deported from the United States five times, was arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap a teenage girl in an Alabama store parking lot on New Year's Eve. Yordy Centeno Melchor, 31, faces charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping and is held on a $100,000 bond.
Sheriff Bill Franklin of Elmore County stated that Melchor coaxed the 17-year-old girl towards his vehicle while she was in the parking lot. A bystander noticed the girl in distress, prompting Melchor to flee. The sheriff's office issued a be-on-the-lookout alert and later obtained a search warrant for Melchor's phone, revealing notes detailing his intentions.
The suspect had planned to offer the girl $200 to coax her into his car. Video footage from the store helped identify Melchor's vehicle, leading to his arrest in a county north of Elmore. Authorities are working with ICE to investigate Melchor's prior deportations and ties to Texas and Alabama.
Following his arrest, a woman reported a similar-looking man in a Walmart restroom. Officials are exploring the possibility of additional charges if more victims come forward. Sheriff Franklin commended his officers for their dedication to keeping Elmore County safe, noting that such crimes are rare in the area.
