Crossing guard honored for saving 8-year-old girl from alleged kidnapper

LOS ANGELES (CNS / FOX 11) - A crossing guard who rescued an 8-year-old girl from an alleged kidnapper in East Hollywood was honored Wednesday for her bravery.

The suspect in the case, identified as 50-year-old Maria Ramirez, is facing a felony kidnap charge after she allegedly grabbed the child about 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the intersection of Oakwood and Alexandria avenues as the girl left an elementary school, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Ramirez allegedly approached the girl, took her hand and said, "Come on, come on,'' police said.

The crossing guard, Adrian Young, saw what was happening and heard the girl's cries so she grabbed the youngster's arm and freed her from Ramirez's grasp.

Ramirez was subsequently arrested.

City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell gave Young, who has been a crossing guard for more than 15 years, flowers and a certificate of appreciation an praised her for coming to the girl's aid.

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