A Uniondale man has been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted kidnapping involving an 11-year-old boy earlier this week, Nassau County police said.
According to detectives, the incident occurred around 4:10 p.m. on April 13 near the intersection of Chester Street and Front Street in Uniondale. Police said the child was walking on the sidewalk when he was approached by an unknown man who allegedly offered him money in an attempt to lure him into a nearby home.
When the child refused and tried to walk away, the man allegedly grabbed the boy’s wrist in an attempt to stop him, causing the victim to fear for his safety. The child was able to pull free and quickly move toward Front Street. No injuries were reported.
The incident was reported to police the following day, April 14, at approximately 2:25 p.m., prompting an investigation by First Squad detectives.
Police said Nelson A. Acevedo, 51, of Uniondale, was located and arrested on April 15 at about 1:05 p.m. in connection with the case.
Acevedo is charged with Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Attempted kidnapping in the second degree is a felony offense in New York, carrying the potential for significant prison time if a defendant is convicted. The additional charges further reflect the alleged attempt to restrain the child and place him at risk.
Acevedo is scheduled to be arraigned on April 16 at First District Court in Hempstead.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo: NCPD
