On January 1st, a teenage girl in Holtville, Alabama, narrowly escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt by a 31-year-old Mexican national, Yordy Centeno Melchor. Melchor, who had been deported six times previously, is now facing charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping and is being held on a $100,000 bond in Elmore County.
The incident unfolded at a grocery store where the suspect approached the girl, offering her $200 to get into his car. Fortunately, the girl sensed danger and was hesitant to comply. A local youth pastor intervened, causing Melchor to flee the scene. Law enforcement later identified Melchor's vehicle in a county north of Elmore, leading to his arrest.
Authorities revealed that Melchor had a history of multiple deportations and federal convictions. The Elmore County Sheriff expressed willingness to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the case.
The victim's mother, Heather Knight, expressed a mix of fear and anger upon learning about the suspect's illegal status. She emphasized the importance of community support and vigilance in ensuring safety.
Knight highlighted the role of community members in looking out for each other, underscoring the significance of living in a supportive environment. Melchor, who has ties to San Antonio and Shelby County, may face additional charges pending further investigation.
