A Heroic Stand: Pensacola Mother and Daughter Thwart Kidnapping Attempt
In a harrowing incident that unfolded in Pensacola, Florida, an 11-year-old girl named Alyssa Bonal displayed remarkable courage when she thwarted an attempted kidnapping at her bus stop. The chilling encounter, which took place on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, has since captured the attention of the community and sparked discussions about child safety and awareness.
The Incident
Alyssa was waiting for her school bus, engaged in her favorite pastime of playing with homemade blue slime, when a man approached her. According to her mother, Amber Bonal, Alyssa recounted the terrifying moment: "Somebody tried to kidnap me. He grabbed me by my throat and he had a knife." In a display of quick thinking and bravery, Alyssa fought back, kicking and tripping her assailant, which allowed her to escape.
What sets this story apart is Alyssa’s instinct to leave behind evidence of her attacker. Drawing inspiration from episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" that she watched with her mother, she smeared blue slime on her assailant, which later helped police identify and apprehend the suspect, 30-year-old Jared Paul Stanga.
The Aftermath
Stanga was arrested later that evening, with law enforcement officials noting that he had blue dye on his arms, consistent with the slime Alyssa had described. He was charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault, and battery, and his bond was set at over $1.5 million. However, during his court appearance, his defense attorney raised doubts about his guilt, citing discrepancies in Alyssa’s description of the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Bonal family is grappling with the emotional fallout from the incident. Amber expressed her relief that her daughter is safe but acknowledged the trauma Alyssa experienced. "If she would have been taken, I could have lost her forever," Amber said, her voice breaking with emotion.
A Normal Day Turns Nightmarish
The day began like any other for the Bonal family. Amber, a single mother of three, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite these hardships, Alyssa has remained a bright spot in her mother’s life, excelling in school and helping with household responsibilities.
However, the location of Alyssa’s bus stop had changed midway through the school year, moving from the safety of their driveway to a busy street corner. This change, prompted by a bus driver shortage, left Amber feeling uneasy about her daughter’s safety. Just weeks before the kidnapping attempt, Alyssa had reported a strange encounter with a man in a white car, which Amber felt was not adequately addressed by the school district.
A Coincidental Conversation
In a twist of fate, just days before the incident, Amber had a conversation with Alyssa about what to do in the event of an attempted abduction. She had advised her daughter to kick, scream, and fight back, regardless of the threat posed by an attacker. This advice proved invaluable when Alyssa found herself in a life-threatening situation.
As the man lunged at her, Alyssa’s instincts kicked in, and she remembered her mother’s words. After successfully escaping, she ran to a neighbor’s house for safety, where she was able to alert her mother and call the police.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The Pensacola community has rallied around the Bonal family, with many expressing their admiration for Alyssa’s bravery. The incident has also ignited discussions about child safety, particularly regarding school bus stops. Amber has called for a reevaluation of bus stop locations, emphasizing the need for safer environments for children.
Escambia County School District Superintendent Tim Smith stated that there are no immediate plans to change bus stop locations but encouraged parents to voice their concerns. He acknowledged that the situation was exacerbated by the presence of the perpetrator rather than the bus stop itself.
A Call for Awareness
In the wake of this traumatic event, both Amber and law enforcement officials are urging parents to educate their children about safety measures and what to do in the event of an attempted kidnapping. Amber believes that schools should incorporate self-awareness classes into their curriculum, similar to drug education programs.
As Alyssa continues to recover from the trauma, her mother plans to enroll her in counseling and self-defense classes. Amber is determined to turn this frightening experience into an opportunity for growth and awareness, not just for her daughter but for the entire community.
Conclusion
The story of Alyssa Bonal serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, education, and preparedness in ensuring the safety of our children. Her bravery in the face of danger has not only protected her but has also sparked a vital conversation about child safety in our communities. As Amber Bonal reflects on the ordeal, she remains proud of her daughter, who, in her moment of crisis, became a hero. "She could have been gone forever," Amber said, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action to protect children everywhere.