Heather Magone, a 40-year-old social worker, was arraigned on charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping, child endangerment, and reckless endangerment, the Nassau County District Attorney’s office said, describing the case as “every family’s worst nightmare.”
“Thanks to his quick-thinking and heroic intervention, the child’s great-grandfather was able to prevent the unthinkable,” District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.
The 79-year-old great-grandfather was pushing the toddler in a stroller while out for a walk down West Penn Street in Long Beach on April 6 when Magone came up behind them as she was walking her dog, investigators said.
Magone, of Long Beach, tried to grab the stroller while scratching and biting the elderly man, police said. As the struggle continued between the two, the stroller toppled over with the toddler buckled inside, according to prosecutors. The man eventually gained the upper hand and held Magone until police showed up.
But even after the cops arrived, Magone stood up and attempted to remove the toddler from the stroller, unzipping and ripping the child’s sleep sack, authorities said. She was arrested at the scene.
Magone pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and was held on $10,000 cash bail, $50,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond, prosecutors said. If she posts bail, she’ll be required to wear an ankle monitor.
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