An 8-year-old girl narrowly escaped being kidnapped at a Binghamton Price Chopper after a man allegedly assaulted and tried to remove her from the store, according to police. The suspect, 37-year-old Donald Beetlestone, was detained by bystanders until officers arrived.
The child had been shopping with her mother and was briefly alone in the produce section when Beetlestone struck her with a bottle and attempted to abduct her. A female employee and a male customer intervened, physically restraining the suspect.
Beetlestone faces charges including attempted kidnapping, assault, forcible touching, and endangering the welfare of a child. Police urge anyone with additional information to contact them at (607) 772-7080.
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