A Florida woman’s attempt to justify her actions didn’t help her avoid serious kidnapping charges after a troubling incident involving a young boy.
Pamela Monslave, 39, is accused of reaching over a fence in Hallandale Beach, a coastal city between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and grabbing a 3-year-old boy before walking away with him. The incident took place on November 25, and she is now being held at the Broward County Jail, facing charges that include kidnapping, burglary, interference with custody, and child abuse.
In police bodycam footage, Monslave is heard defending her actions, saying, “The mom didn’t even look upset.” She explained her side of the story, claiming the child was outside, partially unclothed, and seemingly unattended. According to her, she tried to help the boy because nobody else would call the police. “I asked the little boy, ‘Where’s your mom?’ and he said no,” she said, describing the area as a playground.
Monslave admitted picking up the child but claimed her intentions were good. “I got the little boy, and everybody was like, ‘don’t get the little boy.’ And I’m like, I gave it back to the mom,” she told police.
However, the situation didn’t appear as innocent to the neighbors who witnessed it. According to court documents, Monslave was seen taking the boy from a fenced backyard and walking about 40 feet away with him. The concerned neighbors, noticing she wasn’t familiar, questioned her actions. One of them quickly alerted the child’s mother, who rushed outside as the boy ran back to her. By that time, Monslave had already walked away.
Police later tracked down Monslave using a photo one of the witnesses took during the incident. The same witnesses later identified her as the woman who attempted to take the child.
This unsettling event has left many in the Hallandale Beach community shaken, as it underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action when something seems off. Meanwhile, Monslave remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
