A 14-year-old bravely fought off a would-be kidnapper at Vancouver Mall in Washington on Saturday, and witnesses chased the man down and held him until police arrived, KGW8 reported.
Steven Hayes, 49, is being held on felony kidnapping, assault, and harassment charges and a custody violation at Clark County jail. His first court date is Monday.
According to Fox 12 Oregon, police said Hayes grabbed the victim in a store, threatened to kill them, and tried to drag them out of the mall. The teen fought back and got away. Hayes fled, but bystanders followed, catching up and holding him until police arrived shortly before 5 p.m.
The teenager was reportedly unhurt.
KGW8 reported that Hayes has a prior conviction for kidnapping.
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