Woman's Child-Snatching Attempt At McDonald's Caught On Camera, Gets Arrested

A 33-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a 4-year-old boy from a Pico-Union McDonald’s outlet, the Los Angeles Police Department said Thursday. Identified as Maralyn Ramos, the woman allegedly snatched the boy and walked out of the fast-food chain outlet on Olympic Boulevard and Central Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.

Ramos was stopped before she could get into a car and escape with the child. She let go of the boy and fled the scene on foot, authorities said. The incident was captured on surveillance video, which was released by authorities during their search for Ramos.

The video shows the woman entering a McDonald’s, picking up a young child who was standing by himself near a table and carrying the boy out of the restaurant. After exiting, the woman tried to get into a parked car with the child but was stopped by a witness. She then fled on foot, leaving the child.

Police launched a search for Ramos and later arrested her near Agatha streets in downtown Los Angeles. She was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, police said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Police initially believed she may be involved in the attempted kidnapping of another 4-year-old boy who was walking with his family in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. A woman apparently attempted to grab the child at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and San Pedro Street, but was stopped by a witness.

Authorities later determined that Ramos was not involved in that attempted kidnapping, Detective Meghan Aguilar said, according to reports.

In an appeal to the public, authorities said anyone with more information about the May 14 incident must call LAPD Detectives F. Arroyo and D. Moreno at (213) 486-6840. "During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477)," police said.