OKLAHOMA CITY — A five-year-old boy was nearly kidnapped when a man attempted to take him from an Oklahoma City elementary school.
The man, identified as 37-year-old Kerry Nelson, approached Santa Fe South Shidler Elementary School during dismissal and called the boy by name, KOCO reports. The child initially said he did not know the man but then claimed he did, prompting a teacher to hesitantly allow him to leave with the man. The teacher then informed the principal who intervened before the man got far from campus.
“They were able to see that suspect and that child off school property at this point, but walking away,” said Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Dillon Quirk.
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Gabrielle Elix, the boy’s mother, arrived soon after to pick up her son and was asked if anyone else was supposed to be picking him up. Elix told News 9 that the man told the teacher he was the boy’s brother.
When police attempted to arrest Nelson at his home, which is located just blocks from the school, he fled into a neighbor’s home. He was located in the
Police attempted to arrest Nelson at his home, which is located just blocks from the but he fled into a neighbor’s home. He was found hiding in the neighbor’s bathroom and was taken into custody. Nelson is being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.
Suspect Accused of Talking to Students During Recess
Elix shared photos of the suspect on social media, where other parents identified him as Nelson. Documents show other children said Nelson had been talking to students through the fence during recess.
“This man has been walking along the school. The police officer, security they don’t say anything. Like I said, they’re not following any protocols. In this area there should be no reason you aren’t having super security,” said Elix. “These are little babies… this is a huge mistake. You’ve never seen this guy, and you obviously thought it was suspicious, and you still let him go.”
Santa Fe South Schools says it is reviewing the incident to determine how to enhance safety measures to protect students.
