Great-granddad tackles social worker trying to kidnap baby from stroller, cops say

A 14-month-old girl was nearly snatched from her stroller on a Long Beach sidewalk after a woman allegedly tried to claim the child as her own.

The terrifying encounter occurred Monday on West Penn Street — a block from the beach and boardwalk — as the toddler’s 80-year-old great-grandfather was out for a walk with the tot, News 12 Long Island reported, citing court documents.

The suspect — identified as licensed clinical social worker Heather Magone of Long Beach — approached the pair and shouted, “This is my child, I have a license,” before attempting to grab the toddler, the outlet reported, quoting authorities.

But the great-grandfather managed to wrestle Magone, 40, to the ground and protect the girl, the report said. During the struggle, the stroller was knocked over with the child still inside, and the suspect allegedly bit and scratched the elderly man.

News 12 reported that the child’s mother was stunned by the attack in an area she always believed was safe. Magone has since been charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.

At her arraignment on Wednesday in Long Beach City Court, bail was set at $2000 cash, $10,000 insured bond, and $20,000 partially secured surety bond.

_{Top: The intersection where the alleged attempted kidnapping occurred in Long Beach on Monday (Google Maps Street View).}