Last week, the FBI Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad honored three students from a local middle school, awarding them certificates from the FBI Director for their courageous actions in preventing the abduction of a 6-year-old girl.
As we previously reported, the young heroes were also honored by Kent Police at a Kent City Council meeting last September.
The incident occurred on July 16, 2024, at the Meridian Green Apartments, when teen friends Bentley, Kylie, and Esme noticed a man attempting to drag their young neighbor toward his apartment:
- Two 11-year-olds and a 13-year-old noticed a man attempting to abduct their 6-year-old neighbor.
- The girls confronted the man, questioned his intentions, and recorded the encounter on their phones.
- Their intervention caused the man to release the child, whom they promptly escorted to safety.
- The suspect, a 40-year-old Kent resident, was later apprehended by Kent Police and charged with kidnapping.
Rather than standing by, the three 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.
The bravery and quick thinking of these young girls were instrumental in preventing a potential tragedy and have now been rightfully recognized by the FBI.
Thank you to @FBISeattle for recognizing the three ladies in our city who selflessly stepped up to prevent their 6 year old neighbor from being abducted last year.
— Kent Police (@kentpd) March 25, 2025
Not all heroes wear capes. We are glad you continue to be recognized for your bravery#Kentcommunityrocks https://t.co/VpEQZc6ady
