Officer Mike Burns, an alert Phoenix police officer, is not only the talk of the town, but the national headline a day after saving an abducted five year girl.
Natalie Flores was kidnapped on Christmas day while playing outside her apartment with her two sisters. Phoenix police say around 2:15 pm, Friday, the suspect grabbed the Natalie's 7 year old sister and took her picture. He then allegedly shoved 5 year old Natalie into his vehicle and drove away. More than seven hours later she was rescued, unharmed after Officer Burns spotted the little girl in the suspect's vehicle. Phoenix police spokesman, Andy Hill told the Associated Press, "She is alive and well thanks to the timely diligence of Officer Burns. It is rare in stranger abduction cases so much time can pass without a tragic ending. This was truly a Christmas miracle."
Hill said Officer Mike Burns spotted what appeared to be the suspect's brown pick up truck with what he thought was a child inside. The pick-up didn't have the same license plate as what was reported, but when the officer pulled alongside the truck the driver matched the suspect's description. Officer Burns radioed for backup to put down stop sticks to puncture the truck's tires. The vehicle lost control and the driver tried to get away on foot, but was caught by police after a short struggle.
Police have not released the name of the 45 year old suspect, only saying he is a stranger to Natalie Flores. He is being held on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault on a police officer and felony pursuit.
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