Community Hero Saves Teen from Alleged Kidnapping by Repeat Offender

FIRST ON FOX: One of Heather Knight’s deepest fears as a parent came to fruition on January 1, when her daughter narrowly escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt. In a dramatic close call, a local pastor intervened, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.

Allegations Against Yordy Centeno Melchor

Yordy Centeno Melchor, a 31-year-old Mexican national, faces serious charges including second-degree attempted kidnapping. Melchor, who had been deported six times, is currently held on a $100,000 bond in Elmore County, Alabama, following this disturbing incident.

A Terrifying Encounter

The ordeal unfolded as Knight’s teenage daughter was at a Holtville grocery store. She was busy putting away a shopping cart when Melchor allegedly approached her in a vehicle. According to Knight, the suspect attempted to communicate with her daughter, but the language barrier made it difficult for them to understand each other.

During the encounter, Melchor reportedly displayed a message on his phone that said, “You can trust me. If you’ll get in my car, I’ll give you $200.” This alarming offer prompted the teenager to feel uneasy, indicating that something sinister was afoot.

Bravery from a Local Pastor

Just as the situation escalated, a local youth pastor noticed the suspicious behavior and stepped in to help. With the pastor’s intervention, Melchor fled the scene, prompting the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office to issue a be-on-the-lookout alert in the area.

Law Enforcement Response

Days later, law enforcement stopped a vehicle that matched the description originally given. Upon checking the license plate, they found it linked to Melchor, who matched the suspect’s description as well. Initially, officials believed Melchor had been deported five times, but a representative from Immigration and Customs Enforcement clarified that he had actually been deported six times since 2013, with two federal convictions on his record.

Community Reactions

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin reiterated a commitment to cooperate with ICE, reflecting the community’s concern over safety and security. Knight expressed her mixed emotions surrounding the incident. “When it happened, before I found out he was illegal, I was just worried about her,” she recalled, adding that the discovery of Melchor’s history led to feelings of anger and fear.

Understanding the Impact

Furthermore, Knight shared her thoughts on how distressing it is to know someone with such a background could target their family. “I was beyond angry. There’s no amount of words for how angry I was. It’s terrifying to think about what could have happened,” she stated, underscoring the dangers posed by repeat offenders.

A Grateful Community

Despite the fear, Knight remains thankful for the support from local law enforcement and community members who look out for one another. “I live in a community that supports one another. I had someone there who noticed something was off and was willing to help,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of close-knit community ties.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Melchor, who has connections to both San Antonio, Texas, and Shelby County, Alabama, may face additional charges if authorities uncover more victims. The case has revitalized discussions about community safety and the importance of vigilance.