LI Man Tried To Kidnap 7-Year-Old Girl From Bedroom: DA

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Long Island man who tried to kidnap a 7-year-old girl sleeping in her bed Monday was stopped after the girl's family heard her cries for help and rescued her, according to District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Pete Haughton, 32, was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping, among other charges.

"This is a parent’s worst nightmare," Katz said. "The defendant allegedly illegally entered the family’s home and grabbed the girl as she slept in her bed. If not for her loved ones hearing her screams and acting to save her, this could have had a truly tragic outcome. The defendant was quickly apprehended and the girl is safe with her family."

Haughton broke into the home in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens at about 7 a.m. Monday, Katz said. He grabbed the sleeping girl and dragged her out of the room and toward the front door, Katz said. As the girl screamed, he pushed her down a flight of stairs outside the home’s entrance, the DA said. Several family members, who said they were awakened by her screams, ran outside and called police. Haughton fled but was caught a few blocks away, Katz said.

Haughton was arraigned Wednesday afternoon before Queens Criminal Court Judge Danielle Hartman on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree attempted kidnapping, second degree-assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Haughton was held without bail and ordered to undergo a psychiatric examination. His next court date is scheduled for July 23. If convicted of the charges, he faces up to 25 years in prison.