An 11-year-old girl was nearly captured at her bus stop in Florida.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the little girl was waiting at her bus stop when a man pulled up in a white SUV and attempted to abduct her while allegedly wielding a knife.

Fortunately, the little girl put up a struggle, possibly causing both of them to fall, as he attempted to drag her back to his vehicle.

Later that day, the suspect was located and the girl, identified as Alyssa, is now safe and with her family. Police arrested Jared Paul Stanga and charged him with the attempted kidnapping of a child under 13.

Alyssa and her mother spoke with the "Today" show to describe the harrowing experience and revealed that the main piece of evidence that police used to identify the man was actually the result of something the little girl did after seeing it on her favorite television show.

Because of the blue slime on the suspect's arm, police were able to connect the dots between the little girl's slime mixture at the scene of the attempted abduction as well as footage that showed matching paint marks on his arm while visiting a nearby convenience store.


Alyssa said she threw the slime because she figured it would be good evidence that could lead the cops to Stanga and that's exactly what happened according to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office who also revealed that the man attempted to spray paint his silver bumper but the paint was still wet when they apprehended him.

Stanga was also charged with aggravated assault with a weapon and simple battery.

Alyssa's mother revealed her daughter is doing fine but is still getting counseling.

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