Honk News – A man in Florida reportedly tried to abduct a 2-year-old boy from his home’s backyard, but his plan was interrupted when the family dog barked loudly.
St. Petersburg police discovered Ron Lee Klein Jr., 36, shortly after his reported attempt to abduct a toddler on December 27. Klein reportedly accessed the enclosed backyard of a residence in St. Petersburg by going through the gate, as stated in the arrest affidavit.
Authorities reported that he allegedly attempted to seize the young boy, but the family dog, having observed the intruder, began barking loudly, alerting the boy’s foster mother to the situation.
A foster mother, whose identity remains undisclosed in the affidavit, heard the dog barking and saw Klein in her backyard. She began pursuing Klein and shouting at him, prompting him to escape without the child. The affidavit reported that Klein reportedly “grabbed” the toddler by the arm and attempted to lift him, but ceased his actions when the dog “alerted” the boy’s foster mother.
Read More:
- 60-Year-Old Michigan Man Fatally Beaten While Allegedly Rescuing Dog from Abuse by Owner
- Severe Dog Attack Forces Amputation for 76-Year-Old in California; Unsecured Fence Led to Dog Mauling
Klein acknowledged entering the property, according to the affidavit. Surveillance cameras captured him entering the property.
Klein faces a felony charge for attempted kidnapping along with a misdemeanor charge for trespassing. On December 29, he was in court and is currently held on a bail of $151,000. No updated court date has been provided.
Court records reveal that Klein has a long history of arrests dating back to 2007, with the latest occurring in May 2023. He faced charges for trespassing, resisting an officer with violence, and battery against a police officer. He recently admitted guilt to the charges and received a time-served sentence.