10-year-old playing outside fights off stranger trying to kidnap her, CA cops say

A 10-year-old girl and her mother fought off a stranger trying to kidnap the child while she played with friends outside, California police reported.

The woman accused in the case was seen loitering in alleys, peering in windows and possibly stealing someone’s package before the incident at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, the Ventura Police Department said in a news release.

The girl saw the woman holding her sweatshirt, police said. The stranger began chasing the girl, who started running toward her apartment, and grabbed her, officers said.

The 10-year-old began kicking the woman but could not break free, police said. Hearing the tussle, the girl’s mom rushed outside and helped fight off the woman.

The woman ran away but onlookers kept an eye on her and directed police summoned by a 911 call to her, officers said.

Trinity Stewart, 25, whom police described as being homeless, faces charges of attempted kidnapping and child endangerment, police said.

“The victim was extremely frightened by the incident; however she was not physically injured,” police said.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call 805-650-8010.

Ventura is about a 70-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM with the headline "10-year-old playing outside fights off stranger trying to kidnap her, CA cops say."