DEMING – What began as a Sunday morning church service turned into a frightening situation when an 18-year-old woman allegedly picked up a 2-year-old boy from a Sunday school area and began walking out of the room with him before church staff intervened.
Sophia Zuniga, 18, was arrested Sunday, August 23, and charged with one count of kidnapping, a second-degree felony. Her arrest and kidnapping charge were included in the Deming Police Department’s August 24 media report.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. during church services at a church located at 615 East Ash Street.
According to information provided by the Deming Police Department, Zuniga entered the Sunday school area while a class was underway and sat down with the children, where she began coloring with them. Staff initially believed she may have been a parent or otherwise associated with one of the children.
Church staff became concerned when Zuniga allegedly picked up a 2-year-old boy and began walking out of the room with him.
Staff members stopped Zuniga before she could leave with the child and determined that she was not the boy’s parent and was not associated with the church. Church officials then contacted law enforcement.
Zuniga was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of kidnapping.
Information for this report was provided by the Deming Police Department.
All persons mentioned are innocent until possibly found guilty by a court.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
