TOLLESON, Ariz. – A 34-year-old man, Christopher Leon, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old girl in Tolleson, Arizona, and reportedly told authorities he “would do it again,” according to the Tolleson Police Department.
Attempted Kidnapping Incident
The incident took place on the afternoon of September 29 near the intersection of 87th Avenue and Van Buren Street, as the young girl was walking home from school.
Police say Leon grabbed the girl by the forearms and attempted to place cash in her hands, but she refused. He allegedly then asked for the time and threatened to return the next day. The girl broke free and ran back toward her school for help.
Witnesses and video footage showed Leon fleeing the scene and boarding a Valley Metro bus, which led police to post a wanted image from transit security cameras.
Alleged Confession and Criminal History
After his arrest on Saturday morning near U.S. Interstate 10 and West Chandler Boulevard in north Phoenix, Leon reportedly admitted to being previously convicted of sex crimes involving children. Court documents also claim that he expressed sexual attraction to the child and stated he would have attempted to kiss her had she not escaped.
Authorities say Leon admitted to three similar incidents in Tucson and Tolleson and revealed a prior 2017 sexual abuse conviction involving a minor at a bus stop in Tucson. He allegedly also exposed himself to an adult woman while leaving Tolleson.
Leon is currently detained in Maricopa County Jail on a $750,000 bond, as per reports.
Safety Tips for Parents and Children
Authorities urge parents and guardians to teach children about personal safety and awareness in public spaces:
- Stay Alert: Encourage children to stay aware of their surroundings while walking to and from school.
- Trust Instincts: Teach children to run away and seek help if someone approaches them inappropriately.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact police immediately if an adult acts threateningly or inappropriately near children.
- Use Safe Routes: Stick to well-populated, monitored routes whenever possible.
Share Your Thoughts
What safety measures do you use to protect children in public spaces? Have you ever encountered suspicious behavior near schools or transit areas? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help raise awareness and keep kids safe.
