TAMPA, Fla. — A 31-year-old North Carolina is facing charges after a kidnapping attempt in Tampa. 


What You Need To Know

  • Man charged after kidnapping attempt at Tampa hotel
  • Police said man went into occupied room and tried to grab child
  • Off-duty Palm Beach deputy intervened, held suspect until police arrived

According to Tampa police, Desmond Johnson entered a room at the Hampton Inn on Laurel Street just after 6 p.m. Saturday. The room was occupied by a woman and her three children. 

Police said Johnson attempted to grab a 4-year old child. The mother, who was in the bathroom, heard the children yell and ran to their aid. Johnson then began to fight with the mother for the child. 

The occupants of a room across the hall heard the mother's screams, opened the door, and brought her and her children inside for their safety.

Desmond Johnson has been charged with two counts of burglary with battery and one count of attempted kidnapping. (Hillsborough County Jail)

However, Johnson followed and began fighting with the occupants of that room. Johnson then pulled the child into the hall as the mother was holding onto him.

An off-duty Palm Beach County deputy, who happened to be staying at the hotel, immediately intervened and held Johnson until Tampa police officers arrived.

There were no injuries. 

Police said Johnson has no connection to the family. 

Johnson has been charged with two counts of burglary with battery and one count of attempted kidnapping.