A Florida man was arrested after allegedly attempting to kidnap a 2-year-old boy from the backyard of a home in St. Petersburg. The incident occurred on December 27, when the suspect, Ron Lee Klein Jr., 36, entered the fenced-in yard through the gate. He reportedly attempted to grab the toddler, but the family’s dog began barking loudly, alerting the child’s foster mother to the situation.
The foster mother, upon hearing the dog’s barks, followed the sound and discovered Klein in the backyard. She immediately began chasing him and yelling at him, prompting the suspect to flee without the child. According to the police affidavit, Klein had briefly grabbed the toddler by the arm and tried to pick him up, but stopped when the dog’s barking drew attention.
Klein was found by police shortly after the incident, who were already in the area. He admitted to entering the property and was caught on surveillance footage. Klein was charged with attempted kidnapping and trespassing. He appeared in court on December 29 and was held on a $151,000 bail.
This is not Klein’s first encounter with the law. His criminal history dates back to 2007, with his most recent arrest in May 2023. During that arrest, he faced charges of trespassing, resisting an officer with violence, and battery of a police officer. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to time served.
The quick response of the family dog and the foster mother likely prevented what could have been a tragic event. Klein’s arrest highlights the importance of vigilance and the role pets can play in protecting their families.