Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested

Harrowing footage shows the moment a masked man allegedly attempted to abduct a child on a New York sidewalk over the weekend.

According to the New York Police Department, the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Brooklyn. In the video, the suspect crosses the street and approaches a father walking hand in hand with two children. The suspect is seen lifting the victim off the ground, but the father pushes him away.

"They were approached by an unknown individual who picked up the 6-year-old male and unsuccessfully attempted to separate him from his father before walking away," police said in a statement sent to USA TODAY.

The suspect then entered a nearby building while the father continued down the block without another confrontation.

Watch the surveillance video.

The suspect was arrested the next day

Police said the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Stephan Stowe, was taken into custody on Sunday.

He is facing charges, including second-degree attempt kidnapping, first-degree harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The victim's mother revealed to local news station WABC that the suspect is their neighbor. She added that her child is traumatized from the incident and will undergo therapy.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.