Teen Escapes Alleged Kidnapper
In a moment of remarkable bravery and presence of mind, a 16-year-old girl from New York City outwitted a potential kidnapper by sprinting into a local store and pretending to know the shop owner — a split-second decision that may have saved her life.
The teen, Ariana MacMillan, says she was walking home from school earlier this week when she noticed a man acting suspiciously behind her. Surveillance footage from the area shows Ariana looking over her shoulder multiple times, clearly on alert, before abruptly darting into a corner convenience store in Brooklyn.
Inside the store, she approached the counter and quickly whispered to the clerk, “Please pretend you know me. That man is following me.”
The store’s owner, Miguel Torres, said he immediately played along. “She looked terrified, so I just went with it,” Torres told reporters. “I said, ‘Hey, Ariana! Haven’t seen you in a while!’ and acted like she was a regular. That guy hovered outside for a minute, then walked off.”
Police confirmed they are reviewing security footage and are working to identify the man. The incident is being investigated as an attempted abduction.
Ariana’s family is shaken but proud of her composure in a high-stress moment. “We talk to her a lot about safety — trusting your instincts, staying in public areas, knowing where to run,” said her mother, Camille MacMillan. “I’m just thankful she remembered all of that and acted so quickly.”
Social media has since lit up with praise for Ariana’s quick thinking, with many users calling her a “hero” and urging other teens to learn from her example.
Experts say Ariana’s instincts were spot-on. “In a situation like that, staying calm and creating a connection with a stranger in a public space can deter an attacker,” said personal safety coach Lila Grant. “It’s a tactic we teach, and Ariana used it perfectly.”
The NYPD urges anyone with information on the suspect to come forward and reminds the public to stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
As for Ariana, she’s trying to move forward — and hopes her story inspires others to stay alert and trust their instincts. “It was scary, but I’m okay,” she said in a statement. “I just want other girls to know it’s okay to ask for help, even from a stranger.”
