KENT, Wash. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recognizes three Kent middle schoolers for their bravery in stopping the kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl.
Last week, Kylie, Bentley, and Esme were presented with certificates at their middle school praising ‘Exceptional Service in the Public Interest’ by Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad.
“Their bravery and selflessness bring honor to each of them, to their families and their community,” said Steve Vienneau, an FBI Supervisory Special Agent.
KIRO 7′s Samantha Lomibao spoke exclusively with Kylie, Bentley, and Esme in July when it all happened.
Eight months later, they say it was just about doing the right thing when something felt wrong.
“We saved a little girl’s life, but we didn’t think it would go this far. But I’m glad it did,” said Esme.
On July 16, 2024, the preteens spotted a 40-year-old man pulling a 6-year-old girl by her wrist at an apartment complex on Kent Kangley Road.
“What could’ve happened like, really, really makes me sad because it’s just like really traumatizing,” Esme added.
The 40-year-old suspect, Hayder Hasan Albu-Mohammed, pled guilty to an attempted luring charge in December.
He was released and put on unsupervised probation for 24 months.
The judge ordered Albu-Mohammed to have no contact with a minor, without supervision, and he’s not allowed to live at the Kent apartment complex where he was arrested.
The girls say they are keeping their guards up no matter what.
“When we’re playing volleyball outside, and like we’ll see someone kinda sketchy, I’ll be like ‘guys, look’,” Kylie said.
They say they’re watching the neighborhood closely to stop it from happening ever again.
“It’s kind of changed my perspective for me on like, ‘Oh, who’s that hanging out with that little girl? Are they related?’” Bentley added.
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