Woman Accused Of Trying To Abduct 6-Year-Old Boy In Miami

MIAMI, FL -- A woman was taken into custody Monday in connection with the attempted abduction of a six-year-old boy earlier this month from a gallery in the Miami Design District. The alleged kidnapping was thwarted by the gallery owner who noticed the woman and became suspicious, according to Miami police.

Officer Michael Vega of the Miami Police Department said the incident occurred around 3:53 p.m. on March 4 at the Swampspace Gallery.

"An arrest has been made in the child kidnapping case at 3940 N. Miami Avenue," Vega announced late Monday afternoon.

Police identified the woman as 50-year-old Katherine E. Hatcher, who was charged with kidnapping. She listed her address as Camillus House, which provides services for people who are poor and homeless.

Vega said earlier that the child routinely drops in the gallery to spend time with the owner and the owner's daughter.

"The suspect entered the gallery through an open rear door," the officer said. "The witness did not know the suspect and asked her to leave the premises. As the suspect left, she grabbed the victim by the arm and walked away with him."

The gallery owner alerted Design District security and ran outside to confront the woman.

"The witness grabbed the victim and walked him back to the gallery to await police," Vega said.

The woman walked away before police arrived.

Vega said the child lives only steps away from the gallery. "The parents knew that he was going there," Vega told Patch. "He goes there and hangs out with the business owner and the daughter of the business owner."

Police released a surveillance image of the woman Monday and asked for the public's help in finding her.

To report a tip, call the Miami Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 305-603-6370. Alternatively, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (4877), visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.