In a chilling incident on New Year's Day, a teenage girl narrowly escaped a potential kidnapping in Holtville, Alabama. The suspect, 31-year-old Yordy Centeno Melchor, allegedly approached the girl in a grocery store parking lot and offered her $200 to get into his car, communicating through a note on his phone due to a language barrier. The girl, sensing danger, refused. A youth pastor intervened, causing Melchor to flee. He was later apprehended in a neighboring county after authorities identified his vehicle. Melchor, a Mexican national, has been deported six times and has prior federal convictions. He's currently held on a $100,000 bond, facing a second-degree attempted kidnapping charge. The girl's mother, Heather Knight, expressed relief at her daughter's safety and gratitude towards the intervening bystander and law enforcement. She also voiced her anger upon learning of Melchor's immigration history, highlighting the fear and uncertainty surrounding such incidents. Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed cooperation with ICE in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are exploring the possibility of additional charges should more victims be identified. Melchor reportedly has connections to San Antonio, Texas, and Shelby County, Alabama.
