Efforts by Nurses and Good Samaritans Prevent Teen Abduction in North Bergen, New Jersey

NORTH BERGEN, New Jersey — Police in New Jersey have arrested a man after they say an attempted kidnapping was thwarted by good Samaritans.

Roberto Canavalan, 35, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.

The incident happened on April 23 in North Bergen on 79th Street and Bergenline Avenue, which is typically bustling with cars and pedestrians.

Police reported that a 17-year-old girl was walking along the street when Canavalan suddenly approached her, seized her, placed her in a chokehold, and forcibly moved her away from Bergenline Avenue.

The girl attempted to break free, leading to a struggle between them that lasted for about two minutes, during which onlookers in cars and on foot did not intervene, as stated by the police.

Surveillance video captured at least four men walking past the scene and failing to help the girl.

“While I can understand why bystanders may have been reluctant to physically intervene, I would have expected them to at least contact 911 for assistance,” remarked Det. Capt. David Dowd to Eyewitness News.

Two nurses from a nearby doctor’s office heard the girl screaming for help and rushed to her aid. A man and another woman who happened to be walking past the scene also jumped into action to wrestle the girl away from Canavalan.

“These nurses, already heroes for all they’ve endured during the COVID pandemic and other health crises, demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to protecting life,” Dowd said.

Once police arrived on the scene, Canavalan was identified by the girl and the good Samaritans and was arrested.

Officials say the attack was random and that the pair do not know each other.