Police: Armed school employee scares off would-be Ogden kidnapper
May 26, 2021, 5:03 PM | Updated: 5:14 pm
FILE PHOTO: Ogden police responded to a stabbing at the Lantern House Homeless Shelter on Thursday. A suspect is in custody. (KSL TV
OGDEN, Utah — Police say an armed school employee confronted a would-be kidnapper outside an Ogden elementary school and helped escort his potential victims to safety.
It happened Tuesday around 2:30 in the afternoon on the playground outside the school, which police did not name.
Ogden kidnapper stopped by school employee
In a police affidavit, investigators said the attempted kidnapper grabbed an 11-year-old girl and pulled her as though trying to leave with her. That’s when police say the school employee demanded the man leave school grounds.
According to the affidavit, the suspect let go of the child, allowing the employee to escort her and 19 other children in the vicinity to a nearby classroom.
Next, police say the man started punching a window of the school building as though trying to break in. Police say the school employee produced a weapon while dialing 911. They did not identify the employee but said that worker lawfully possesses the gun and holds a concealed carry permit.
Ogden police say they responded quickly and took the would-be kidnapper into custody after a short struggle. Ira Cox-Berry, 41, was arrested and booked him into the Weber County Jail on suspicion of child kidnapping.
Police said they do not yet know of any link connecting Cox-Berry to the girl. Their investigation continues.
