Hailey
Residents of the The Hill neighborhood in St. Louis are on high alert after a reported attempted kidnapping was captured on video in late October 2025.
Local media shared footage that appears to show a man approaching a family and trying to seize a child before fleeing.
Investigators are reviewing the video and asking anyone with information to come forward.
As of November 1 2025, authorities have not publicly announced final charges tied specifically to this incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Where is “The Hill”?
The Hill is a well-known St. Louis neighborhood, traditionally Italian-American, located south of Forest Park and bounded by Manchester Avenue (north), Columbia and Southwest Avenues (south), S. Kingshighway Boulevard (east), and Hampton Avenue (west).
Knowing these boundaries can help residents understand police advisories and patrol updates.
What police and community leaders are saying
- Video review & tips hotline: Detectives are analyzing the shared footage frame by frame and encouraging residents to submit additional clips from doorbell or business cameras from the same timeframe.
- Increased visibility: Following the broadcast, local patrols have stepped up presence during school and evening hours across The Hill and nearby corridors.
- Community reassurance: Neighborhood organizations have circulated safety reminders for families walking to restaurants, parks, or after-school programs.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident type | Reported attempted kidnapping captured on video |
| When | Late October 2025 (coverage aired shortly thereafter) |
| Where | The Hill, St. Louis, MO (residential/commercial blocks) |
| Status | Investigation ongoing; police reviewing video evidence |
| Public request | Share tips and any doorbell/business camera footage |
| Neighborhood context | Dense residential streets; major borders include Manchester, Kingshighway, Hampton |
Safety guidance for families (actionable steps)
- Stick to well-lit routes on Manchester, Macklind, and other busier connectors during evening hours. Walk in pairs or groups when possible.
- Practice a “call-and-move” plan with children: if approached, shout for help, move toward a busy storefront, and dial 911 immediately.
- Enable camera sharing: if you have doorbell or CCTV footage covering sidewalks/alleys from late October, preserve it and provide copies to detectives to help narrow timelines.
- Memorise details: clothing, direction of travel, vehicle colour/plate fragment — note them right away in your phone’s notes app.
Why this matters now
Recent child-abduction attempts in other U.S. cities show how community vigilance and clear video evidence can help speed identifications and arrests.
Quick reporting, preserved footage, and consistent witness descriptions often make the difference in fast case outcomes.
The reported attempted kidnapping in The Hill has understandably rattled neighbours — but it has also sparked swift action: increased patrols, active video review, and a steady flow of community tips.
By staying alert, choosing busier routes, and promptly sharing any relevant camera footage, residents can aid investigators and help keep The Hill safer for families and businesses.