Teen Snatches 3-Year-Old After Beating Dad With a Plunger – Florida Police on High Alert

St. Petersburg, FL (33705)  — A 17-year-old is accused of violently attacking a man with a plunger and abducting the man’s 3-year-old son during a disturbing home invasion Thursday morning in the Campbell Park neighborhood, according to St. Petersburg police.

An Amber Alert has been issued statewide as authorities search for the missing child. The incident occurred near 16th Street South and 7th Avenue South, just blocks away from Campbell Park Elementary, around 8:45 a.m.

Police say the teen suspect entered the residence, assaulted the child’s father with a plunger, and then took the boy. The father sustained serious head injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. His condition remains stable, according to officials.

“This was a deliberate act of violence and abduction,” said St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway during a press briefing. “We are doing everything we can to locate the child and bring him home safely.”

The suspect and child were last seen leaving the area on foot. A witness later reported seeing someone matching the suspect’s description boarding Pinellas Suncoast Transit Route 32, headed north.

Community on Edge

The neighborhood has been shaken by the violent incident.

“It’s terrifying — we don’t feel safe anymore,” said Melanie Brooks, owner of a nearby deli. “This is a close-knit area, and things like this just don’t happen here.”

A photo posted by a local resident on social media shows several patrol cars and crime scene tape surrounding the block as investigators canvassed the area.

Part of a Growing Trend?

This is the second child-related incident reported in Pinellas County this month, raising concerns among residents. Some are now questioning local law enforcement’s resources amid ongoing state budget discussions that may impact juvenile response teams.

What To Do If You See Them

Authorities urge anyone with information to call 911 immediately or contact the St. Petersburg Police Department tip line at 727-893-7780. Residents should not approach the suspect, who is considered potentially dangerous.

Resources Available:

• Florida Missing Child Alert Line: 1-888-FL-MISSING

• Trauma Counseling (Pinellas County): 727-555-HELP

• St. Pete Police Emergency Line: 727-893-7780

Latest Developments:

• 2:10 PM — Amber Alert activated across Florida

• 3:05 PM — Witness reports possible sighting of suspect on local bus

• Next Update — Police to hold media briefing at 5:00 PM