Three teenage girls were honored by the Kent Police Department and the City of Kent at Tuesday night’s (Sept. 17, 2024) City Council meeting for their bravery in stopping the attempted kidnapping of a 6-year-old neighbor earlier this summer.
Deputy Chief Matt Stansfield and Mayor Ralph presented Bentley, Kylie, and Esme with the Chief’s Award for Citizen Commendation during the council meeting, praising their quick thinking and courage.
As we previously reported, the incident occurred July 16, 2024, at the Meridian Green Apartments, when the girls noticed a man attempting to drag their young neighbor toward his apartment.
Rather than standing by, the teens sprang into action, confronting the suspect, questioning his relationship with the child, and filming the encounter on a cellphone. In the footage, the girls can be heard defiantly telling the man, “She is coming with us,” before safely escorting her back to her family.
Officers quickly arrived on the scene and, using the girls’ descriptions and video evidence, detained the suspect.
The child was unharmed and reunited with her family.
The girls were each presented with a plaque commemorating their heroism. The inscription on the plaque detailed their courage and credited their quick actions for preventing the abduction:
“On the afternoon of July 16, 2024, officers were dispatched to the Meridian Green Apartments in response to an abduction in progress. A reporting party indicated that a male suspect was attempting to abduct a young girl within the complex.
“Upon arrival, officers received a detailed description of the suspect and directions for travel. The suspect was quickly contacted and detained, and the child was found safe and reunited with her family.
“During the investigation, it was revealed the girls played a pivotal role in preventing the abduction. As the suspect was dragging the 6-year-old girl toward his unit, they courageously confronted him despite the evident danger.
“The friends began recording the incident on a cellphone. The footage captured them questioning the suspect’s relationship with the child and ultimately declaring, “She is coming with us!” Their decisive actions ensured the child’s safety and return to her home.
“Their bravery, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to protecting an innocent child exemplify the highest standards of community heroism. Their action not only saved the child from further trauma but also contributed significantly to bringing the suspect to justice.
“For these reasons, all three girls are awarded the Chief’s Award for Citizen Commendation for their exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of danger. Their actions reflect great credit upon them, their family, and the community they so bravely served.
“–On behalf of the Kent Police Department”
“We also have a heartfelt thank you to the parents of these 3 girls,” police added. “You all did a wonderful job raising these young women. Well done.”
