VIDALIA, La. — Two individuals have been arrested following an investigation into an alleged attempted kidnapping involving a toddler earlier this month, according to the Vidalia Police Department.
Police said they received a complaint on Sunday, July 5, regarding an attempted kidnapping. During the investigation, detectives identified the suspects as Zanna Marcotte, 32, of Ridgecrest, and Morgan McElroy, 17, of Roxie.
According to investigators, the pair allegedly entered a residence at approximately 2 a.m. and removed a sleeping toddler from a bedroom. Authorities said the child’s caregiver confronted the suspects as they attempted to leave the home and was able to take the child back safely.
The caregiver reportedly questioned the suspects about why they had entered the residence without permission and why they were attempting to remove the child. Police said both suspects were known to the caregiver and had previous interactions with the toddler.
“These individuals obviously knew each other, but what transpired in this incident shouldn’t happen,” Vidalia Police Chief Joey Merrill said in a statement. “We’re grateful the outcome ended the way it did as this could have ended badly for all parties involved.”
Marcotte was arrested on Tuesday, July 21, while McElroy was arrested on Tuesday, July 28, police said.
Both have been charged with:
- Attempted Simple Kidnapping
- Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling
- Simple Theft
The investigation remains under the direction of the Vidalia Police Department.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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