Teen Saves 4-Year-Old Sister From Alleged Kidnap Attempt in Southern California

iStock/Thinkstock(LANCASTER, Calif.) — Police say a 13-year-old Southern California boy is their “hero for today” after he stepped in to save his 4-year-old sister from a would-be kidnapper.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were patrolling a street in Lancaster, Calif., Saturday when they were flagged down to investigate a reported possible kidnap attempt.

Sgt. Eric Metten said the suspect, who was seen pacing near a home, asked a 4-year-old girl her name, reached down and grabbed her, then started to walk away. But the girl’s 13-year-old brother intervened quickly, grabbing her arm and yelling for someone to dial 911.

Police caught the suspect, Earl Williams, 61, of Lancaster, while he was still in the neighborhood. He was arrested and charged with kidnapping. He was being held Sunday on $100,000 bail, and is scheduled for a court appearance Tuesday.

“It’s a kidnapping charge — not attempted — because he actually picked her up and walked away with her,” Metten said.

Police say the girl was not injured.

“Just startled, very scared,” Deputy Amber Leist said, adding that she was a “smart little girl”

Police also praised her brother for his quick response.

“He was definitely quick on his feet,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Mighuel Ruiz told ABC’s Los Angeles station KABC-TV. “He’s very responsible for his family and obviously his 4-year-old sister. So at this point, he is our hero for today.”

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