A Lyons man was quickly apprehended Monday afternoon after he allegedly attempted to kidnap Kamryn Lynn as she and her brother Kelton were playing outside. Lyons Chief of Police Wesley Walker said, “Around 4:00, the children were playing in the yard when a man came up and grabbed the little girl and put his hand over her mouth and told her not to scream. The little boy went inside to tell Grandmother, and that’s when the man dropped the little girl and left.”

Chief Walker said the man has been identified as Billy Otis Hood, a 63-year-old white male. The Chief said while Hood was no stranger to the department, law enforcement had no indication that he would attempt a crime of this magnitude.

“He is being charged with kidnapping and battery,” Chief Walker said.

"The little girl's brother is to be commended for his quick action," Walker said. "He definitely did the right thing in this situation."

Chief Walker said physically the little girl sustained only minor injuries, but emotionally, her recovery may take some time. The Chief said such attempts are rare in the Lyons, but parents do need to be vigilant.

“I don’t want people to think they can’t let their children outside to play,” he said, “but parents and caregivers do need to check on them periodically when they’re out of sight. If you see someone suspicious or a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood, call 911 and let us come and check it out. That’s what law enforcement is for and we don’t mind investigating especially when it comes to keeping children safe.”

Matt Lynn, the father of the children, praises the officers of the Lyons Police Department for their swift work, adding, “The work of the Lyons Police Department was so amazing – swift and thorough. Those guys and girls deserve the world! Chief Walker has an elite agency to be proud of. They don’t get enough credit!”