By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
ORLANDO, Fla. — A corrections officer at Orange County Corrections is being recognized for stopping an attempted kidnapping.
In August 2023, CO Timothy Williams was dropping off his kids at the bus stop when he noticed a man pacing the area, WFTV reports.
The man then attempted to grab an 11-year-old girl who fought back, according to WFTV. The man then took off running, but Williams didn’t let him get away.
“I chased him to the next block,” Williams told WFTV. “Held him down to the ground until the officer came.”
Williams was honored with a Distinguished Service Award during an Orange County Board of Commissioners meeting on Sept. 10.
“His quick and courageous actions ended a heinous crime in progress and prevented a young girl from being kidnapped,” said Danny Banks, deputy county administrator of public safety.
Orange County Corrections Chief Louis Quiñones said Williams’ bravery is bringing well-deserved attention to their team of unsung heroes.
“The work that we do is behind the walls and the barbed wire,” Quiñones said. “But his actions show not only what we do inside we will do outside; he is a hero.”
Investigators said the suspect admitted to attempting to kidnap the girl and inappropriately touching her, WFTV reports. He faces charges of attempted kidnapping, lewd molestation and resisting arrest without violence.
