Deerfield Beach, FL – A woman attempted to kidnap a five-year-old boy from a gas station on Tuesday morning. Ivanna Nobile, 38, has been charged with false imprisonment of a child and burglary.
The incident occurred at the Shell gas station located at 5 North Federal Highway. A woman parked her vehicle to refuel when it began smoking and asked for assistance.
While standing by her car, the woman was approached by Nobile, who presented what appeared to be an Argentinian identification and claimed the person pictured was her aunt.
Witnesses reported that Nobile later opened the rear passenger door of the woman’s vehicle, where the child was seated.
According to the grandmother, Nobile grabbed her grandson’s arm and stated, “I’m taking him. This child is the wrong color to be with this woman.” The grandmother positioned herself between Nobile and the child to prevent the abduction.
A bystander pumping gas heard the grandmother’s screams for help. The witness stated that she saw Nobile grabbing the child.
Police received a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. and arrived promptly. Officers detained Nobile, who reportedly refused to speak with them.
The grandmother indicated she has had custody of her grandson since January and had never met Nobile prior to this incident.
Nobile has no prior convictions and is currently being held for immigration purposes, according to jail records.