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april.thompson@wreg.com
(Memphis 8/24/2009) Molly's La Casita, Midtown Memphis, Friday night.
A seven-year-old leaving the bathroom says he is grabbed by a strange man, who takes him out the back door, kicking and screaming.
The child gets away unharmed, but points out 48-year-old Brian Williamson as his abductor.
Diners are shocked.
"Fifteen years ago you didn't have to worry about that. I'm afraid for my child to play in the yard nowadays, just because you cannot trust anybody." says Michelle Hope, who was not at the restaurant, but she is a mother. Witnesses say they saw Williamson grab the juvenile and exit the rear door with the child holding onto the door frame screaming for help.
They then saw the victim chase the juvenile back into the business and turn away when he saw the parents.
"I am so glad to know this little boy obviously knew the right thing to do, scream, kick, make as much noise as possible." says Jaime Newsom, who is also a parent.
Williamson reportedly went back to the bar afterwards. The little boy's parents called police, who arrested Williamson for Aggravated Kidnapping.
The boy's mother says Williamson never seemed remorseful and only said the child had been knocking on the bathroom door.
It's frightening for parents whose kids often are alone in restaurant restrooms.
"I literally time my kids. I say you have three minutes to come in and out. If you are not out then I am coming in after you." says Newsom.
Molly's restaurant refused to comment about the incident.
The child's mother says he is doing OK, but is still afraid to be alone. Brian Williamson is in jail on $150,000 bond and will be back in court August 31st.
- 7-Year-old Boy Grabbed by Stranger at Molly's La Casita in Midtown
- The boy screamed and was able to escape
- Man charged with Aggravated Kidnapping
(Memphis 8/24/2009) Molly's La Casita, Midtown Memphis, Friday night.
A seven-year-old leaving the bathroom says he is grabbed by a strange man, who takes him out the back door, kicking and screaming.
The child gets away unharmed, but points out 48-year-old Brian Williamson as his abductor.
Diners are shocked.
"Fifteen years ago you didn't have to worry about that. I'm afraid for my child to play in the yard nowadays, just because you cannot trust anybody." says Michelle Hope, who was not at the restaurant, but she is a mother. Witnesses say they saw Williamson grab the juvenile and exit the rear door with the child holding onto the door frame screaming for help.
They then saw the victim chase the juvenile back into the business and turn away when he saw the parents.
"I am so glad to know this little boy obviously knew the right thing to do, scream, kick, make as much noise as possible." says Jaime Newsom, who is also a parent.
Williamson reportedly went back to the bar afterwards. The little boy's parents called police, who arrested Williamson for Aggravated Kidnapping.
The boy's mother says Williamson never seemed remorseful and only said the child had been knocking on the bathroom door.
It's frightening for parents whose kids often are alone in restaurant restrooms.
"I literally time my kids. I say you have three minutes to come in and out. If you are not out then I am coming in after you." says Newsom.
Molly's restaurant refused to comment about the incident.
The child's mother says he is doing OK, but is still afraid to be alone. Brian Williamson is in jail on $150,000 bond and will be back in court August 31st.
