Mother abducts 11-year-old over alleged bullying of daughter, demands apology

A Utah mother was taken into custody after authorities claimed she abducted an 11-year-old boy she thought was harassing her child.

Shannon Tufuga, 40, faces charges of child abduction and severe child abuse as of Monday.

An affidavit from Montana's Cowboy State Daily alleges Tufuga searched a Provo, Utah neighborhood last September for an 11-year-old named K.B., mentioned in court records.

When she located the boy on his bike, she allegedly blocked his path with her car and insisted he get inside. She supposedly then transported him back to her residence.

The affidavit claims Tufuga brought K.B. to her home against his wishes and without parental consent.

Authorities stated Tufuga believed the boy was tormenting her children, some with special needs. She allegedly wanted K.B. to apologize to her daughter.

KUTV acquired court documents indicating K.B. eventually apologized to Tufuga's daughter. Yet, Tufuga allegedly "warned her husband would harm K.B." and remarked that he was "fortunate she didn't hit his bike."

Amberlee Collazo, the boy's mother, discussed the incident with NBC affiliate KSL and shared further insights about the family dynamics leading up to the incident on September 17, 2025.

She mentioned Tufuga's daughter had admired her son for two years, which was overwhelming for him.

Collazo stated to KSL, "One day he grew tired of her constant attention." Her son replied with a harsh remark to the girl. Following that reported exchange, Tufuga allegedly began to menace Collazo's son.

According to Collazo, Tufuga allegedly seized her son's arm upon finding him biking. Brought to her home, Tufuga's spouse was reportedly present with a "firearm visible on his hip."

After the confrontation, Tufuga allegedly ordered the boy to "leave immediately, and he sprinted all the way home." Both KUTV and Cowboy State Daily noted that Tufuga returned the boy herself according to the court records.

KUTV noted Tufuga was a crossing guard for Provo City, but her employment ended following the accusations.

Tufuga's lawyer, Pona Sitake, issued a written response to KUTV stating, "We deny the allegations made in this week's legal filing. We suspect these claims originate from a troubled child and lack accuracy. We intend to present evidence demonstrating persistent difficulties faced by our client's children in school, including ongoing elementary school efforts to tackle bullying and ensure a safe atmosphere."

KUTV reported that Tufuga claimed her children, some with disabilities, were previously bullied by Collazo's son.

When this conduct was mentioned to their elementary school, actions weren't taken. KUTV reported that the Provo City School District declined to comment because of an ongoing investigation.

Tufuga is charged with child abduction and enhanced child abuse. She wasn't listed on the Utah County Sheriff's Office inmate roster on Wednesday. Her next court date is set for April 30.