EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Man who attempted to kidnap five-year-old boy from NYC ...

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Man who attempted to kidnap five-year-old boy from NYC ...
EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Man who attempted to kidnap five-year-old boy from NYC ...

A New York City man who tried to snatch a five-year-old boy from the street appeared before a judge on Friday to face attempted kidnapping charges. 

James McGonagle, 24, was charged with attempted kidnapping in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child following the July 15 incident.

The child, Jacob Lopez Diaz, was walking with his family at 8pm when he was grabbed and shoved into McGonagle's car. His nine-year-old brother, Benny, pleaded with McGonagle to give him back, allowing his mother, Dolores Diaz Lopez, 45, pull him out of the car through a window.

'In a brazen fashion, the defendant grabbed the little boy, who was just a few steps from his mother, and allegedly tried to kidnap him,' said Melinda Katz, Queens district attorney. 

James McGonagle, 24, appeared in Queens Supreme Court on Friday to face two counts related to the July 15 attempted kidnapping. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody

James McGonagle, 24, appeared in Queens Supreme Court on Friday to face two counts related to the July 15 attempted kidnapping. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody

McGonagle, handcuffed and with his legs in shackles, had been in the psychiatric ward of jail

McGonagle, handcuffed and with his legs in shackles, had been in the psychiatric ward of jail

McGonagle was arrested in the early hours of July 16 after hospital staff recognized him

McGonagle was arrested in the early hours of July 16 after hospital staff recognized him

McGonagle's mother Cassandra, 53, recognized her son from police appeals and confirmed his identity - and that of her husband, his father, who was with him at the time

McGonagle's mother Cassandra, 53, recognized her son from police appeals and confirmed his identity - and that of her husband, his father, who was with him at the time

After the brief hearing, McGonagle was transported to Rikers Island where he will await his next court appearance on September 8

After the brief hearing, McGonagle was transported to Rikers Island where he will await his next court appearance on September 8

'This is a parent's worst fear. This mother fought to save her son. Never underestimate the strength of a mom. 

'Thankfully he has been apprehended and will face justice.' 

McGonagle pleaded not guilty, and was remanded to Rikers Island without bail.

He will return to court on September 8, and faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

Police are still hunting for his father, also James McGonagle, 55, who was with him at the time.  

James McGonagle, 24, right, has been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a five-year-old boy in broad daylight. His father, also named James McGonagle, left, was with him at the time

 James McGonagle, 24, right, has been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a five-year-old boy in broad daylight. His father, also named James McGonagle, left, was with him at the time

James McGonagle, 24, is seen in the NYPD's wanted poster. He was arrested hours after the attempted kidnapping

James McGonagle, 24, is seen in the NYPD's wanted poster. He was arrested hours after the attempted kidnapping

Surveillance footage showed the younger McGonagle leap from a nearby car and snatch Jacob off the sidewalk, throwing the little boy into his car. 

The district attorney said that, during the struggle, a male passenger who had been seated in the vehicle was heard asking McGonagle: 'What are you doing?' 

McGonagle allegedly responded: 'We are taking the kid.' 

Diaz told WABC that she and her children were on their way to visit their father around 8pm, on Hillside Avenue in the New York City borough of Queens.

She said McGonagle jumped out of a parked maroon sedan and ran at them.   

Diaz, with her young son Benny and her daughter Zuriely, eight, chased after the

read more from dailymail.....

PREV D-Day hero believed to have been the last surviving Lancaster bomber pilot from ... trends now
NEXT In news vacuum, rumours and concern swirl over Catherine mogaznewsen