Deputies: Transient Tried To Grab Boy In Santa Clarita

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — A homeless woman was taken into custody Tuesday after she grabbed a 4-year-old boy at an apartment complex on Via Canon in Newhall, according to sheriff's deputies.

Witnesses said the boy was walking with his mother about 2 p.m. when the woman tried to take him, yelling that the child belonged to her. The boy's mother fought back, the woman ran away and was taken into custody nearby.

"At least like five cops came out and then ten minutes later I saw they arrested a lady and took her in custody," said Sandra Cabrera.

"That's the scariest thing, especially so close to home," said Monique Porter, who lives nearby.

Investigators say the woman is a transient in her 40s, and told them she was going to take the little boy with her. She could face attempted kidnapping charges.

Neither the boy nor his mother was hurt.

"Even when you do feel safe," said Porter, "You just don't know who's around."