Daytime Kidnapping Attempt in Florida Foiled by Quick-Thinking Good Samaritans [WATCH]

A group of bystanders is being praised for stopping an attempted kidnapping in Jacksonville, Florida, after a man allegedly tried to drive off with a mother and her two small children in broad daylight, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred on March 12 in the parking lot of the Department of Motor Vehicles located on North Main Street.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), 26-year-old Yanni Human attempted to flee in an SUV while the woman struggled to remove her 2-year-old and 6-month-old children from the back seat.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Authorities say Human was driving away “against the woman’s will, dragging her and one of the children through the parking lot.”

Witnesses immediately sprang into action. In a Facebook post, JSO stated, “More than a dozen Jacksonville Good Samaritans stepped in during a dangerous situation, potentially saving a mother and two children from serious injury or worse.”

Several bystanders ran toward the moving vehicle, managing to pull the woman and her children out safely while the SUV was still in motion.

Human fled the scene, but witnesses provided a detailed description of the suspect and the vehicle’s license plate to 911 operators.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Using that information, JSO’s District 6 Task Force located and arrested Human later that day at a nearby shopping center. Authorities also reviewed surveillance footage to confirm the suspect’s identity and involvement in the incident.

Human now faces multiple felony charges, including child abuse, false imprisonment, battery, possession of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence.

Good Samaritans stop kidnapping in progress of mother and two small children in Florida

Investigators say the man, later identified as 26-year-old Yanni Human, was driving off “against the woman’s will, dragging her and one of the children through the parking lot.” pic.twitter.com/fpJrRNfhSa

— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) April 25, 2025

“This situation could have ended in tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said. “Your JSO is grateful for the quick action and bravery of the Good Samaritans who stepped up and helped bring the suspect to justice.”

The names of the bystanders have not been released, but their swift intervention has drawn widespread praise from the local community. Authorities say their actions likely prevented serious harm—or worse—from taking place.

The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The case remains under investigation, and Human is being held pending further legal proceedings.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.