Colorado Girl Escapes Kidnapper, Credited With His Arrest
An 8-year-old girl was able to thwart a would-be kidnapper after making a great deal of noise when the man broke into her home and took her into a nearby alley in the middle of the night. John Stanley Snorsky, 26, of Aurora, Colorado, was arrested and charged with first and second-degree burglary and second-degree kidnapping and is currently being held on $600,000 bail.
Snorsky reportedly broke into the girl's home and took the girl from her bedroom. She made lots of noise and called for help as he pulled her into a nearby alley, and she awoke her father, who ran outside and rescued his daughter as Snorsky fled. Police credit the young girl with preventing the kidnapping from going any further; she was able to assist police and provide enough details for them to draw a sketch and release it to the public. The public then helped police identify the man, who was already wanted for allegedly violating his parole in another matter.
At least one officer, Chief Daniel Oates, described Snorsky as a "predator" and said the police were still accepting tips from the public "so we can learn more about him," the officer told Fox31 News. So far authorities know that Snorsky identified himself as an artist and joked about kidnapping people just months after being released from prison for burglary.
"I'm going to burning man next year to celebrate the first time in my life that I'm completely free," he posted to his Facebook account, which has since been removed. "I'll kidnap a couple of u [sic] too hahaha."
Now, though, he faces serious jail time for the burglary and kidnapping; Snorsky is expected to appear before a judge today. Meanwhile, police have praised the young girl and her family for their quick-thinking and response.
"She is a brave young lady and kept her wits about her," Aurora Police Division Chief Rob McGregor said at a news conference this weekend. "It is a message to all parents to reiterate to their kids to make noise if something is going on."
Fortunately, the young girl was not seriously injured and was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries. Her family has not spoken about the incident yet but are surely grateful to have their little girl home.
