A shocking incident unfolded in broad daylight when a Florida couple was apprehended for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 9-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in Hollywood, Florida, on October 13, has raised concerns about child safety and the need for increased vigilance in communities.
According to school bus footage, the events leading up to the arrest of 68-year-old driver Thomas Young were captured on video. The suspects, identified as Michael Diaz, 34, and Taiana Tersano, 31, have been charged with luring/enticing a child under the age of 12 and causing a child to become delinquent. Tersano also faces additional charges for resisting an officer with violence, as reported by the Hollywood Police Department.
The girl’s mother contacted emergency services around 4:30 p.m. on the day of the incident, reporting that a man and a woman had tried to lure her daughter into their van while the child was playing in the front yard under the supervision of her mother’s boyfriend. Tersano allegedly made multiple attempts to approach and lure the 9-year-old, even resorting to spitting and punching the caregiver when he intervened.
Fortunately, the girl managed to escape into the safety of her home after Tersano rolled down the window and called out to her. The mother, alerted by screams, rushed outside to find Tersano approaching her daughter. The mother’s boyfriend acted as a shield between the strange woman and the child. Tersano, however, responded with threats, stating, “I’m going to come back and kill all of you.” In a violent altercation, Tersano spat on the boyfriend and punched him.
Alarming witness accounts reveal that a man in the van, identified as Diaz, urged Tersano to “grab the f—ing kid” before the couple eventually fled the scene. Police were able to locate the van based on the family’s description and conducted a traffic stop.
During the arrest, officers discovered a 7-year-old child, who was later determined to be the couple’s child, amidst loose mechanical tools in the back of the vehicle. The child was subsequently placed under the custody of Child Protective Services.
The arrest did not proceed smoothly, as Tersano resisted arrest and engaged in physical altercations with the officers. She reportedly threw herself towards an officer and resisted being placed in the patrol car. The situation escalated when she kicked away an officer’s hand while lying flat in the back seat.
Following their arrest, Diaz and Tersano appeared in Broward County Court, where they were each held on a $30,000 bond. The couple’s next court appearance is yet to be scheduled, and it remains unclear whether they are still incarcerated at present.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need to prioritize the safety of children. As the case progresses, authorities will continue to investigate the motives and backgrounds of the suspects, ensuring that justice is served.
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