Feb 18 • 12:15 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Attempted kidnapping at Esselunga, man arrested: 'I couldn't tell if it was a girl or a stuffed animal'

A 37-year-old Romanian man was arrested for attempting to kidnap a child at an Esselunga supermarket in Bergamo, Italy, claiming during interrogation that he could not distinguish between a child and a stuffed toy.

On February 14, a 37-year-old Romanian man attempted to kidnap a child at the Esselunga supermarket located on Via Corridoni in Bergamo, Italy. During his interrogation, the suspect, identified as E.M., expressed confusion regarding whether the target was a child or simply a stuffed toy, indicating a troubling perception of the situation. His alarming statement adds a perplexing layer to the criminal act, raising questions about his mental state at the time of the attempt.

E.M. has acknowledged the allegations against him but reportedly maintained a defiant attitude throughout the legal proceedings. This raises further concerns regarding his understanding of the gravity of his actions. The attempted kidnapping has understandably stirred outrage within the local community, prompting discussions about public safety and the protection of children in public spaces.

Local authorities are likely to respond with heightened security measures in and around supermarkets and other public areas. As investigations continue, there is significant interest in how this case will unfold in the Italian judicial system, especially given the man's background and the implications for community safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges regarding child safety in urban areas, impacting community perceptions and policies moving forward.

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