A Mexican national, deported five times from the U.S., has been apprehended in Alabama for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl. 31-year-old Yordy Centeno Melchor faces second-degree attempted kidnapping charges and is held on a $100,000 bond. The incident unfolded on New Year's Eve in a store parking lot, where Melchor allegedly tried to lure the teenager towards his vehicle. A bystander noticed the girl's distress and intervened, causing Melchor to flee. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin revealed that a search warrant for Melchor's phone uncovered notes detailing his plans, including offering the girl $200. While the exact timing of the note remains unclear, the victim confirmed Melchor showed it to her. Surveillance footage from the store aided authorities in identifying Melchor's vehicle, leading to his arrest in a neighboring county days later. Sheriff Franklin affirmed his office's commitment to cooperating with ICE to investigate Melchor's previous deportations. A subsequent report from a local woman linked Melchor to a separate incident involving a girl's bathroom at a Walmart. Melchor, known to travel between San Antonio, Texas, and Shelby County, Alabama, may face further charges if additional victims are identified. Sheriff Franklin commended his officers for their dedication to maintaining safety within Elmore County, emphasizing the rarity of such crimes in the area.

Yordy Centeno Melchor (Elmore County Sheriff's Office)

The alleged attempted kidnapping occurred in a Holtville parking lot. (Google Maps)

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin (Facebook)