Deerfield Beach, FL – Authorities say a 38-year-old woman attempted to kidnap a 5-year-old boy from his grandmother’s SUV at a Florida gas station, claiming that the child “was the wrong color to be with” her. The suspect, Ivanna Nobile, was arrested and charged with false imprisonment of a child under 13 and burglary, according to Broward County jail records.
The Incident: Attempted Abduction at a Gas Station
The frightening incident occurred on Tuesday morning at the Shell gas station located at 5 North Federal Highway in Deerfield Beach, according to a report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
The grandmother was refueling her white Honda Pilot when the vehicle began smoking, prompting her to seek assistance from a bystander. As she stood beside the driver’s side, she noticed a woman approaching — later identified as Ivanna Nobile.
Nobile handed the grandmother what appeared to be an Argentinian identification card, claiming it belonged to her aunt. The grandmother, unsure of the woman’s intentions, said she “did not pay her much mind” and continued tending to her vehicle.
Moments later, however, the situation escalated when Nobile opened the rear passenger door, where the 5-year-old boy was seated. The grandmother told deputies that Nobile grabbed the child’s arm and declared,
“I’m taking him. This child is the wrong color to be with this woman.”
Investigation and Witness Accounts
Startled, the grandmother quickly stepped between Nobile and her grandson, preventing her from pulling the boy out of the SUV. Several customers at the gas station reportedly witnessed the altercation and heard the grandmother screaming for help.
One witness told deputies she was pumping gas when she heard the grandmother yelling,
“This woman is trying to kidnap my kid!”
When the witness turned to look, she saw the suspect “pulling on the child’s arm”, according to the affidavit filed in the case.
Deputies responded to a 911 call from the grandmother around 9:30 a.m., arriving minutes later. After interviewing witnesses and reviewing the scene, officers detained Nobile, who refused to cooperate or speak with investigators during questioning.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Authorities charged Ivanna Nobile with false imprisonment of a child under 13 years old and burglary of a conveyance, both serious felonies under Florida law.
Court documents reveal that Nobile did not know the family and had no prior connection to the child or his grandmother. The victim’s grandmother confirmed that she has had custody of her grandson since January and had never met Nobile before the attempted abduction.
Broward County jail records indicate that Nobile is currently being held for immigration purposes and remains in custody pending further investigation. Deputies also confirmed that she has no prior criminal convictions in the United States.
Community Reaction and Public Safety Awareness
The attempted abduction has deeply alarmed local residents in Deerfield Beach, a typically quiet community in Broward County. Parents and guardians have expressed concern about the safety of children in public spaces, emphasizing the need for vigilance even in seemingly routine settings like gas stations.
Child safety advocates remind caregivers to lock vehicle doors immediately, even when standing nearby, and to stay alert to suspicious behavior around children. Experts also note that incidents involving racially motivated comments or assumptions about custody are particularly troubling and require continued education and awareness.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the investigation continues, detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the gas station to corroborate witness accounts and reconstruct the sequence of events. Prosecutors will determine whether additional charges or hate-crime enhancements are appropriate.
Nobile’s court appearance is expected later this month. Authorities said they are also working with federal immigration officials regarding her detention status.
Conclusion
The quick actions of the grandmother and nearby witnesses likely prevented what could have been a devastating kidnapping. Law enforcement officials have praised the grandmother’s courage in protecting her grandson.
The case serves as a stark reminder that child abduction attempts can occur suddenly and without warning, even in public places. Authorities continue to urge the community to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
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