An alleged abduction attempt targeting an 8-year-old Jewish girl in her own front yard unfolded on Sunday night, but thanks to swift police action and the tireless efforts of local askanim, authorities arrested 37-year-old Christopher Rosa overnight.

According to police, officers responded to Columbia Boulevard in Waterbury, Connecticut, around 7:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle.

Surveillance footage captured a black 2019 Honda Pilot creeping down the street, braking intermittently. Moments later, a young girl in a reddish jacket was seen walking nearby. Authorities say Rosa pulled over in front of the home, got out of his vehicle, and opened his trunk in an apparent attempt to lure the child inside. Sensing danger, the girl immediately ran into her house and alerted her parents.

Her father said that his daughter told him that a man had pulled over, called her toward his car, and then suggested she get into the trunk. At first, she thought he was a delivery driver.

Her father explained that she hesitated because she was accustomed to seeing drivers open their trunks to retrieve packages. It was only when she realized there were no packages—and that the man appeared to be making room for her inside the trunk—that she ran.

Local askanim sprang into action, working through the night to secure surveillance footage, gather leads, and assist law enforcement in identifying the suspect. Their efforts helped police track down Rosa, who was later found at his home and taken into custody.

Rosa now faces charges of first-degree stalking, second-degree breach of peace, and risk of injury to a minor. He was released on a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned Monday.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about this incident or any other involving Rosa to contact the Waterbury Police Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941 or Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at (203) 755-1234.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)