San Bernardino County Sheriff's Teach Kids To Fight Abductors

SAN BERNARDINO (CBS) — This class is vitally important, but it's not teaching kids about reading, writing or arithmetic; it's teaching them how to fight back and flee from abductors.

CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Jeff Nguyen got to see one of the classes being offered by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

He met 9-year-old Graci and 7-year-old old Teagen Bermudez, who took part in the two-week program called RAD (Resist Aggression Defensively) Kids.

Graci sees the benefit of learning self defense techniques. "I feel stronger and I know what to do," she says.

But RAD Kids is more than just a defense class; kids are also taught techniques on how to distract a would-be abductor and get away.

Teagan Bermudez knows the importance of trying to flee. "You don't just stay there and they keep grabbing you," she says.

The girls' father tells Nguyen that Graci is shy and Teagen is a bit too trusting. He's seen a huge difference in their confidence since the start of the class.

"They thought it was kind of funny at first. I had to sit them down and let them know this is serious. I mean this class could save your life," Timothy Bermudez said.

Just last week, a man was caught on camera trying to snatch a 10-year-old girl as she walked down the street with her younger brother. She fought back and managed to get away.

Tonya Bermudez enrolled her daughters in the class. She's a deputy district attorney in San Bernardino County and knows all too well about crimes against kids. "I work with crimes against children and it's probably a parent's greatest fear. So I wanted me kids to be prepared."

The fee for the course is $25.

For more information, visit RAD Kids.