Attempted Child Abduction Thwarted by Quick-Thinking Mother in Lancaster County

At Protect Her Path, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers women and children face and empowering our community with knowledge and tools to stay safe. In a recent incident in Lancaster County, a mother’s quick actions prevented the abduction of her young child. This alarming event underscores the importance of vigilance and situational awareness. Read on to learn more about what happened and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

A near abduction of a young child took place on Thursday morning at a restaurant in Lancaster County, according to State Police.

Authorities report that 59-year-old Lisa Rossi, from East Earl, claimed she had a “vision” that led her to enter the restaurant and attempt to take a four-year-old boy, as stated in the charging documents.

The incident occurred around 8:46 a.m. at the Terre Hill Family Restaurant. According to a criminal complaint, Rossi grabbed hold of the child and tried to leave with him.

The child’s mother told State Police that when she returned from the kitchen, she saw Rossi holding her son in a “bear hug” while he was crying. The mother quickly moved to block Rossi from exiting through the front doors and managed to pull her son from Rossi’s arms, despite being punched in the face during the struggle.

After the mother successfully retrieved her son, Rossi fled the scene, driving west on Main Street, as detailed in the charging documents.

Surveillance footage from the restaurant captured the incident, and State Police interviewed witnesses on the scene. They were able to locate Rossi’s address using PennDOT records.

Rossi is now facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping a minor, interference with child custody, unlawful restraint of a minor, and false imprisonment. She is also charged with misdemeanor simple assault.

She is currently held on $150,000 bail in Lancaster County Prison, with a preliminary hearing set for September 9.

source: abc27