Crime & Safety
Man Tried to Snatch Tampa Palms Baby, Cops Say
The "suspicious man" reported Aug. 4 at Hampton Park has been charged with attempted kidnapping.
A 22-year-old man faces attempted kidnapping charges following an investigation into an incident at Tampa Palm’s Hampton Park Aug. 4.
Tampa Police announced Friday they have arrested James Wood of 16005 Boswell Way on one count of attempted kidnapping.
The incident that led to the arrest unfolded as a mother and her two children were enjoying some outdoor time at the park on Aug. 4. Wood approached a woman and attempted to “grab the mother’s infant daughter from her arms,” wrote police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor in an email to media.
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The woman ran and Wood chased after her. A nearby security guard began chasing Wood, who was able to get away.
“Officers located Wood at a local hospital within hours after the incident
thanks to help from witnesses and the public,” McGregor said.
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Wood was brought into police custody Aug. 7 after being released from medical care, she added. Wood remained in the Hillsborough County Jail Friday with no bond set. He’s faced DUI and trespassing charges in the past, jail records indicate.
Photo Credit: James Wood/Hillsborough County Jail
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