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The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Cobb County Police Department on May 13, 2025.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A 12-year-old girl is safe after reporting an attempted kidnapping that occurred Monday, May 5th at her bus stop on Riverside Parkway in Austell.
The young girl bravely disclosed the incident to a school counselor. Cobb County Police Crimes Against Children Detectives responded and arranged for the child to undergo a forensic interview. During the interview, the juvenile provided a detailed description of the suspect and their vehicle.
Thanks to this critical information, detectives quickly identified the suspect vehicle. The Cobb County Police VIPER Unit located and stopped the vehicle, and the driver was identified as Seron D. Kennedy (39, Mableton). Kennedy was transported to the Special Victims Unit for questioning, and after the interview, he was arrested and charged with Attempted Kidnapping (O.C.G.A. 16-5-40).
The investigation remains ongoing. The Cobb County Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all children in our community and encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward. Individuals with information are asked to contact the Crimes Against Children Unit at 770-801-3470.
Case Number: 25029095
As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community’s children, we urge parents to take the following steps to help keep your children safe:
•Talk to Your Children: Have open and honest conversations with your children about safety, including recognizing strangers and what to do if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
•Teach Safety Procedures: Ensure your children know important safety rules, such as never going anywhere with a stranger and always staying in groups when possible.
•Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your child’s whereabouts, especially during high-traffic times like school bus pick-up and drop-off. Encourage them to walk with friends and avoid isolated areas.
•Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual or suspicious in your neighborhood or around bus stops, please report it immediately to local authorities.