Nurses Save Teen from Attempted Kidnapping in North Bergen, NJ

Two nurses are being hailed as heroes after they intervened in an attempted kidnapping in North Bergen, New Jersey, on April 23, helping save a 17-year-old girl from her attacker.

Incident Details

The attempted kidnapping took place in the busy area of 79th Street and Bergenline Avenue, a section known for its constant flow of cars and pedestrians. According to police, 35-year-old Roberto Canavalan allegedly ran toward the teenage girl as she was walking down the street, grabbed her in a chokehold, and tried to drag her away from Bergenline.

Despite the bustling surroundings, several passersby failed to intervene, with surveillance footage capturing at least four people walking past the scene without stopping to help. The girl struggled to break free from her attacker for nearly two minutes before others finally stepped in.

Nurses to the Rescue

Two nurses from a nearby doctor’s office heard the girl’s desperate screams and immediately rushed to her aid. They were joined by a man and another woman who happened to be nearby, working together to wrestle the girl away from her attacker.

Detective Captain David Dowd of the North Bergen Police Department praised the nurses, saying, "These nurses, already heroes for all they've endured during the COVID pandemic and other health crises, demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to protecting life."

Aftermath and Arrest

Police arrived shortly after and took Canavalan into custody. Authorities confirmed that the attack was random, with no known connection between the suspect and the victim.

🤔Nurses, have you ever found yourself in a similar moment where you had to act quickly to protect someone?