Police in St. Louis recently rescued a 6-year-old girl from a reported kidnapping in the city’s north side after following the sound of screams. Neighbors Marshall Holloway and Chef Nicy witnessed the dramatic takedown of the suspect, Reonna Bernice Crawford, by first responders.
Holloway described the scene as responders tackling Crawford out of nowhere, while Chef Nicy recounted how the police ordered Crawford to get down before arresting her and rescuing the child. The quiet street on Camellia Avenue in the Penrose neighborhood was suddenly filled with police activity due to the reported incident.
According to the police spokesperson, Crawford allegedly snatched the child from her mother and siblings, threatening them with a gun. The police probable cause statement revealed that Crawford even pointed a gun at a driver who tried to intervene, causing the driver to flee the scene. Crawford then reportedly took the child into a home, where she tied her hands and taped her mouth, leading to the child’s screams being heard by the police.
Crawford, who faces eight felony charges including kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a previous felony conviction, was described by neighbors as a nurturing person, making the incident seem out of character for her. Chef Nicy believed that the situation might have been a misunderstanding, suggesting that the mother initially allowed Crawford to take the child, but later changed her mind, resulting in a dispute.
As the investigation continues, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has scheduled a detention hearing for October 28 to provide more information on the case. Despite attempts to reach Crawford, who is currently in custody without legal representation, further details are anticipated to emerge during the upcoming court proceedings.
