Fresno police arrest woman after attempted kidnapping of eight-year-old

An eight-year-old girl narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping in Fresno, California, after a woman allegedly tried to force her into a vehicle by her hair.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Tyiesha Davis, was arrested on 22 April and subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail. According to jail records, Davis is currently being held on a $185,000 bail.

The Fresno Police Department responded to the scene on Andrews Avenue, situated near Shields and West Avenues, at approximately 4:38pm local time following multiple emergency calls from concerned witnesses.

Investigators report that Davis allegedly approached the child and grabbed her hair in an attempt to pull her toward a car.

During the encounter, Davis reportedly made the startling claim that the girl had been "stolen at birth" and insisted that she knew the child's name.

However, when the girl’s parents arrived at the location, they confirmed to officers that the woman had "no relation" to the family whatsoever.

The young girl managed to break free from the suspect's grasp and fled to a nearby residence, where a neighbour brought her inside to safety until the authorities arrived.

Neighbour Hector Barba expressed relief regarding the girl's safety, noting that the community was glad the child was back with her parents. While the suspect remains in custody, the investigation into her motives and mental state continues.

This incident has prompted local officials to remind parents of the importance of "stranger danger" education. Fresno police have previously handled similar attempted abductions by increasing patrols in residential areas during the late afternoon.