JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The recent attack of a 9-year-old Jacksonville girl in a Best Buy store restroom has parents on high alert when it comes to the safety of their children.
Police said somehow the suspect in the case, James Tadros, was able to lure the 9-year-old away from her parents and into a restroom, where he nearly killed the girl.
Channel 4 Crime Analyst and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said when situations like these happen, it's important for parents to remember it only takes seconds for someone to snatch a child.
"If you're away from your child, it only takes seconds. Particularly four to 10-years-old," said Jefferson. "Parents need to be patient. If your child has to go to the bathroom, take that child," said Jefferson.
Ken said many parents don't realize that criminals are everywhere and very aware of who is around them.
"They're watching them, looking for vulnerable moment. So, for instance, if I'm outside this dollar tree, I could sit and watch and wait. You could sit in your car and watch people come and go. And then you see someone with a child," said Jefferson.
Tadros next court date is September 16 at 9 a.m.