An alleged child predator’s plans were foiled by a 14-year-old’s quick thinking when she handed over her mother’s cell phone number instead of her own, Arizona police said.
The Glendale Police Department shared the story on Facebook, praising the young girl for her smart decision. The incident occurred when 37-year-old Isaiah Navarro approached the teen as she was walking home from school. Surveillance footage captured the interaction between the adult and the teen.
Authorities said that the man attempted to engage the teen in conversation, but she knew better than to engage. When he asked for her number, she gave him her mother’s instead. Navarro later contacted the number, thinking he was speaking to the 14-year-old victim, but he was actually communicating with her mother, who immediately contacted the police.
As the conversation continued, Navarro’s messages became increasingly sexually graphic. The Glendale Police Department shared screenshots of the text exchange, showing Navarro asking for explicit photos and describing specific sexual acts.
Eventually, Navarro agreed to meet up with the teen, but instead of finding the young girl, he was met by police officers who placed him under arrest. He is now facing charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and is being held on a $250,000 bond.
Social media users have praised the young girl for her quick thinking and the Glendale Police Department for their swift action in apprehending the alleged predator. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and taking action to protect oneself from potential dangers.
