In a chilling incident that unfolded in Hillsborough County, Florida, a quick-thinking deputy sprang into action, rescuing two young children from the clutches of an alleged kidnapper. The dramatic events were captured on body camera footage, showcasing the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers.
The incident occurred on October 10th, just before 7:00 PM, when Deputy Jonathan Pasmino Alvarez was flagged down by a distraught father. The father, visibly shaken, informed the deputy that his truck had been stolen with his two young children, ages 4 and 8, still inside.
A police officer talks to a man and a woman
Armed with the vehicle description, Deputy Pasmino Alvarez immediately began searching for the stolen truck. It didn’t take long for him to spot the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop. The deputy ordered the driver to pull over into a nearby parking lot.
As the truck came to a stop, Deputy Pasmino Alvarez approached the vehicle cautiously, immediately questioning the driver. The suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Kevin Smith, denied any involvement, repeatedly telling the deputy, “It’s not me.”
However, the deputy’s suspicions were further heightened when one of the children inside the truck bravely spoke up, asserting that the man behind the wheel was not their father. “He’s not my dad,” the child’s voice can be heard on the body camera footage, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.
A police officer talks to someone in a car
Without hesitation, Deputy Pasmino Alvarez moved swiftly to apprehend the suspect. Smith was ordered to step out of the vehicle and was quickly taken into custody. The body camera footage captures the intense moments as the deputy apprehended the suspect, ensuring the safety of the children inside the truck.
Following his arrest, Kevin Smith was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of felony kidnapping. The children, thankfully, were unharmed during the ordeal and were reunited with their relieved father.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office commended Deputy Pasmino Alvarez for his swift actions, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and responsive to the community’s needs.
A police officer escorts a man in handcuffs
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and the critical role law enforcement plays in safeguarding our communities. The quick thinking and decisive actions of Deputy Jonathan Pasmino Alvarez undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic outcome, bringing a sense of relief and gratitude to the children, their family, and the community.
