No parent ever wants their child to face a traumatic experience. We give them advice with the hope that it will remain theoretical, but the world isn’t always ideal, and some children find themselves needing to put that advice into action.
A recent example is 6-year-old Ah'lyric, who found herself in a frightening situation requiring quick thinking. While playing outside with her siblings, Ah'lyric stayed behind in the stairwell when the others went inside. A stranger then tried to abduct her, but she was prepared to resist.
Recalling her mother’s instructions on handling such threats, Ah'lyric fought back. She bit the would-be kidnapper on the arm with such force that he dropped her, slapped her, and then fled.
“I bit him. He picked me up and then slapped me,” Ah'lyric recounted to WPLG. “Then he threw me on the floor and started running.”
After the man fled, Ah'lyric ran to her aunt to report the incident. She also provided a detailed description of the suspect, which, along with footage from the apartment’s security cameras, led to his arrest. This unfortunate scenario underscores the importance of children knowing how to react in dangerous situations.
In another case from 2021, a child avoided potential abduction by asking a stranger for a code word known only to her parents and trusted adults. This technique helps to prevent abductions by ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain a child's trust.
Other children have escaped abductions by creating diversions or physically resisting. For instance, one boy used a slingshot to deter a kidnapper who was trying to abduct his younger sister, allowing the police to identify and apprehend the suspect.
While it’s distressing to think about such situations, it's crucial to prepare children with strategies for handling them. Ah'lyric’s bravery and quick actions received praise from Florida police, demonstrating the effectiveness of good preparation and training in ensuring a child’s safety. Thanks to her quick thinking, one less dangerous individual will be on the streets.