Mariska Hargitay Praises Young Girl Who Used 'Law & Order: SVU' Knowledge To Help Police Catch Attempted Kidnapping Suspect
Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay is praising a young fan who used a tip she picked up from the show to help Florida police catch a man who allegedly attempted to kidnap her.
An 11-year-old girl named Alyssa was reportedly playing outside with homemade blue slime on Tuesday, May 18, while she was waiting for the school bus when a man allegedly charged at her and attempted to drag her into his white SUV.
"The man got out of his vehicle, holding a knife, came towards me, and I tried to run, but he caught me," Alyssa told TODAY.
In surveillance footage shared by the outlet, the man picked the girl up before they both fell to the ground. Before he fled, the girl said that she rubbed some of the blue slime onto him. "I knew that might be better evidence if the cops do find him," she said.
Hours later, the man was caught by police. Sheriff Chip Simmons said at a press conference that "the suspect, when we caught him, had blue slime all over his own arms."
"I just feel proud of myself," the girl said. When asked about what Hargitay's character, Detective Olivia Benson, from SVU would think of her feat, Alyssa said, "Probably, you're brave and good job!"
Jared Paul Stanga, 30, has been charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault and battery. He is being held on a bond over $1.5 million, TODAY reported.
"Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe," Hargitay wrote when she shared the news on Instagram. "And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story. You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman."
She continued, "I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear! Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska."
Fans and fellow celebs reacted to the stunning story in the comments.
"This is so amazing!!" Michelle Trachtenberg wrote, while Rosie O'Donnell commented: "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️."
"SVU isn’t just a show — it is sometimes, quite literally, a lifesaver. Such important work you’re doing! 🙏🏻♥️," one fan gushed.
