Suffolk County police arrested a Patchogue man after he allegedly abducted a 4-year-old girl from a local laundromat, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:08 p.m. at 138 East Main St., where the child’s mother had been doing laundry with her two children.
Police said the suspect, identified as Carlos Corte, 38, of Patchogue, was not known to the family and led the young girl out a rear exit of the business.
The mother reported her daughter missing, prompting a rapid response from Suffolk County patrol officers, who reviewed surveillance footage and canvassed the surrounding area.
During the search, the mother located her child inside the Patchogue-Medford Library at 54-60 East Main St., where the girl was found in a children’s play area.
Officers then located Corte near the laundromat and took him into custody without incident.
Following an investigation by Fifth Squad detectives, Corte was charged with second-degree kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and an outstanding warrant.
Authorities said the child was unharmed and safely reunited with her family.
Corte was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned.
Police have not indicated a motive for the incident and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant in public spaces and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
The quick response by officers and the mother’s actions were credited with helping ensure the child’s safe recovery, police said.
Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Suffolk County Police at 631.852.6308 as detectives continue to review evidence and speak with potential witnesses in the area to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.