A bystander at a Minneapolis mall is being lauded for his heroic efforts after he helped nab a man accused of throwing a little boy from the third floor on Friday morning.

Chicago Tribune reports that an unnamed bystander watched in horror as 24-year-old Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda allegedly threw 5-year-old child Landen Hoffman over the ledge of the Mall of America’s third floor, sending the little boy falling close to 40 feet before crashing onto a marble floor. Police said the suspect has no connection to the boy. The motive remains unclear.

The bystander, according to police, rushed to block the suspect from leaving the mall until authorities could arrive to detain him.

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“We’re very appreciative of his efforts to try to intervene and help out in a very difficult situation,” Bloomington Police Chief Jeff Potts said during a Sunday press release.

Lnaden is currently at the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, suffering “significant injuries” after the incident.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, court records revealed the suspect has a long history of criminal behavior inside the same mall. In July 2015, Aranda was arrested for throwing objects from the upper area of the mall to the lower area. He also allegedly walked into a store in the mall and with his hands, pushed items off of a display table, breaking glasses in the process.

In October 2015, Aranda reportedly approached a woman at the Twin Cities grill in the mall. He asked her to buy him food, according to police, and when she refused, he threw a glass of water in her face, followed by a glass of tea that hit the woman in the leg.

During the same year, the man destroyed five computers at a library in Minneapolis, court documents stated. According to the Star Tribune, Aranda had an active warrant for his arrest, in connection to a 2017 assault incident.

“My nephew he had mental problems for a long time, for a very long time,” Aranda’s uncle said, according to CBS Minnesota. “He needed help for a really long time.”

Meanwhile, donations have been pouring in for Landon. A GoFundMe donation page surpassed the $500,000 goal, with hundreds of comments from well-wishers.

An update on the donation page indicated Landon had a “peaceful sleep” but continues to fight to for his life.

“He had a peaceful sleep and is still continuing to fight his courageous battle, he’s a strong survivor! No other significant updates at this time, but please continue to keep him in your prayers. We will continue to keep updating as we can. Thank you all and God bless!”

Aranda is being held without bond, facing charges of attempted homicide.

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[Feature Photo: Landen Hoffman/Handout]