A Florida man was stopped in his tracks while allegedly trying to kidnap a 2-year-old boy, thanks to the heroic efforts of the family dog. The dramatic incident unfolded on December 27 in the backyard of a home in St. Petersburg.
According to police, 36-year-old Ron Lee Klein Jr. entered the fenced backyard through a gate. The little boy was outside playing when Klein allegedly tried to grab him. But just as he made his move, the family dog noticed something was wrong and started barking loudly. The barking alerted the boy’s foster mother, who immediately ran outside to investigate.
When she reached the backyard, she saw Klein standing there and quickly realized what was happening. Without hesitation, she began chasing him and yelling for him to leave. Startled by the commotion, Klein fled without taking the child.
Police say Klein admitted to entering the property, and surveillance footage confirmed he had been there. The arrest affidavit also noted that Klein had allegedly grabbed the toddler by the arm and tried to lift him before the dog’s barking made him stop.
St. Petersburg police officers, who were already patrolling nearby, found Klein soon after the incident. He was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping, a felony, and trespassing, a misdemeanor. He appeared in court on December 29, where his bail was set at $151,000. A new court date has not yet been announced.
Court records show that Klein has a history of legal trouble dating back to 2007. Earlier this year, in May 2023, he was arrested for trespassing, resisting an officer with violence, and battery of a police officer. He pleaded guilty to those charges and was sentenced to time already served.
Thanks to the family dog’s quick response, what could have been a terrifying ordeal ended without harm to the little boy.
