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Just three days after being released from jail, a repeat offender was captured on camera attempting to abduct a toddler from her family at a Virginia mall. This incident led Governor Glenn Youngkin to criticize the county’s lenient crime policies.
Youngkin expressed his concerns, stating, “There is a concerning and unacceptable trend in Fairfax County of releasing criminals back onto the streets instead of keeping them in jail. The Commonwealth’s Attorney seems to prioritize the protection of criminals over the safety of children.”
“Parents in Fairfax County should be alarmed,” Youngkin added.
Following Youngkin’s remarks, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also addressed the situation, promising to investigate and inform the public of why Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano’s refusal to prosecute criminals has jeopardized public safety.
SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS 26-YEAR-OLD MAN GRABBING TODDLER FROM MALL PLAY AREA BEFORE ARREST FOR ABDUCTION
A young girl was allegedly abducted by 26-year-old Andres Caceres Jaldin. (Fairfax County Police Department)
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks during the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority Policy Conference at the Washington Hilton on June 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
The disturbing incident, captured on CCTV footage at the Fair Oaks Shopping Center in Fair Oaks, Virginia, showed 26-year-old Andres Caceres Jaldin attempting to take a young toddler at around 11:35 a.m. on July 18.
The parents of the child found Jaldin on the mall’s second floor and were able to retrieve their daughter.
26-year-old Andres Caceres Jaldin was arrested and charged with abduction of a minor and grand larceny. (Fairfax County Police Department)
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Jaldin fled the mall but was apprehended shortly after at an Extended Stay hotel in Chantilly, Virginia. Before the attempted abduction, Jaldin allegedly stole a car from an auto shop.
Jaldin faces charges of abduction of a minor and grand larceny.
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Andres Caceres Jaldin was apprehended at the hotel he was staying at. The incident happened on July 18. (Fairfax County Police Department)
Following this terrifying incident, Jaldin’s criminal record was revealed.
Jaldin had been released on his own recognizance on July 15 after being involved in a hit-and-run on July 2. “Release on one’s own recognizance” is when a defendant is allowed to leave custody without posting bail, based on their promise to appear in court.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the offices of Youngkin and Descano for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
