Police body cam footage appears to show a Florida woman trying to talk her way out of an arrest. Officers in Hallandale Beach arrested Pamela Monsalve on November 25, 2024, after she allegedly attempted to kidnap a 3-year-old boy. Monsalve claimed the mother was indifferent about her taking the child, which in her mind justified her actions. But according to police, she committed a crime.
Witnesses saw Monsalve pick up the child, according to NBC Miami, and notified his mother. When she came out to get him, Monsalve left the scene. Police arrested her a short time later. She reportedly had no connection to the family and faces multiple charges.
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Monsalve allegedly picked up the child from his backyard.
According to WSVN, witnesses saw Monsalve pick up the 3-year-old boy and try to take him. When a witness notified the child’s mom, Monsalve reportedly put him down and left. Police found her a short time later and asked her about the incident.
Law & Crime reported that when speaking with police, Monsalve said, “The mom didn’t even look upset.”
Body cam footage captured Monsalve talking to police.
She attempted to explain to police why she picked up the child. “He was outside,” she said. “He was naked. He was like here with a shirt,” she said as she pulled her shirt. “Everything was naked, and I asked for the people around to call police, and nobody would call police. And I told the little boy ‘Where’s your mom?’ and he said no.”
The officer probed Monsalve, “So where’s the little boy now?”
“Well, they were, I got the little boy and everybody was like don’t get the little boy and I gave it back to the mom,” she said.
Monsalve appeared confused.
When police asked Monsalve where she picked up the boy, her answer didn’t appear coherent. She told them she found the child near a playground.
“Where’s the playground?” police asked. “Near the … outside the … the … outside the,” she stammered. “When the mom came out I gave it back,” she said.
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She reportedly had no connection to the family.
Hallandale Beach Police Department Captain Megan Jones had an important message for others, telling NBC Miami, “Make sure you pay attention to your kids, your surroundings, make sure you know your neighbors and your neighbors know you. This is an example of ‘know thy neighbor‘ and those neighbors were able to help prevent this child from being permanently taken.”
According to Law & Crime, Monsalve faces charges of kidnapping, burglary, interference with custody, and child abuse.
