Long Beach, NY — A Long Beach woman faces attempted kidnapping charges after prosecutors say she attacked a 79-year-old man and tried to take his 15-month-old great-granddaughter from a stroller during a daytime walk through a neighborhood street.
Heather Magone, 40, was arraigned Friday on a grand jury indictment charging her with attempted second-degree kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment. Nassau County prosecutors allege the incident unfolded on April 6 as the toddler and her great-grandfather were walking along West Penn Street in Long Beach.
Great-Grandfather Allegedly Fought Off Attempted Abduction
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, the 79-year-old victim was pushing his great-granddaughter in a stroller at approximately 12:15 p.m. when Magone allegedly approached from behind.
Prosecutors say Magone, who was walking her dog barefoot, suddenly ran toward the pair and attempted to seize the stroller.
The indictment alleges she scratched and bit the great-grandfather while trying to gain control of the stroller, causing cuts to his face, hands, and knees.
Struggle Sent Stroller to the Ground
Authorities said a violent struggle followed as Magone allegedly fought with the victim over the stroller.
During the confrontation, prosecutors allege she ripped the great-grandfather’s hands from the stroller, causing it to tip over while the toddler remained strapped inside.
Even after the stroller overturned, Magone allegedly continued trying to reach the child as the great-grandfather struggled to stop her.
According to prosecutors, the elderly man ultimately pushed Magone away and restrained her on the ground until officers with the Long Beach Police Department arrived.
Key Points
• Prosecutors say Heather Magone tried to remove a 15-month-old child from a stroller in Long Beach.
• The toddler’s 79-year-old great-grandfather allegedly suffered cuts after being scratched and bitten during the struggle.
• Magone was indicted on attempted kidnapping and related charges and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Police Say Defendant Continued Reaching for Child
The alleged attempt did not end when officers arrived, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors say Magone stood up as police reached the scene and again attempted to remove the toddler from the stroller.
She allegedly unzipped and ripped the child’s sleep sack while trying to gain access to the child before officers intervened.
Members of the Long Beach Police Department arrested Magone at the scene on April 6.
Indictment Brings Serious Felony Charge
Magone has been charged with:
- Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a violent felony
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Reckless Endangerment
She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment before Judge Robert Bogle.
The court set bail at $10,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond. If released, Magone must wear an electronic monitoring device.
The judge also issued two orders of protection.
“This defendant’s alleged actions were deeply disturbing and played out every family’s worst nightmare,” Donnelly said.
“A great-grandfather and his great-granddaughter were simply enjoying an afternoon stroll in their neighborhood when Heather Magone allegedly tried to tear the 15-month-old child from her stroller.”
The district attorney credited the child’s great-grandfather with preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
“Thanks to his quick-thinking and heroic intervention, the child’s great-grandfather was able to prevent the unthinkable,” Donnelly said.
Case Moves Toward Trial
The case now advances in Nassau County court following the grand jury indictment.
Prosecutors allege the incident occurred in broad daylight on a residential Long Beach street and involved repeated efforts to gain access to the child despite resistance from both the great-grandfather and responding officers.
If convicted of the top charge, Magone faces a potential prison sentence of 3½ to 15 years.
Current Status: Heather Magone has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping and related charges. She is scheduled to return to court on June 23, 2026.