Perugia judge orders release of man arrested after alleged toddler kidnapping attempt

A judge in Perugia validated the police arrest of a 29‑year‑old Gambian man who was detained after he allegedly grabbed a toddler at the Fontivegge bus stop near the railway station. The mother quickly retrieved her child, called emergency services and police intervened, seizing the suspect and transferring him to the Capanne prison. Evidence included surveillance footage and photographs of the child found on the suspect’s phone.

The court concluded that the facts did not meet the legal definition of attempted kidnapping or any other serious offence justifying a precautionary measure, and ordered the immediate release of the man. The judge noted the suspect’s prior police record but found no basis for a custodial restriction in this case.