Bystanders Stop Attempted Kidnapping of Juvenile at Williamson County Park

GEORGETOWN, TX – Williamson County deputies responded to a reported attempted kidnapping Saturday afternoon at Berry Springs Park, just outside the Georgetown city limits.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in around 1:26 p.m. reporting a man attempting to abduct a juvenile female inside the park. When deputies arrived, they found 28-year-old Christopher Garza already being restrained by multiple witnesses who had intervened.

Witnesses told deputies they observed Garza attempting to kidnap the juvenile and acted quickly to stop him before law enforcement arrived. Deputies took Garza into custody at the scene and transported him to a local hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained prior to their arrival.

Authorities say the incident appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Sheriff Matt Lindemann praised the actions of those who stepped in. “I would like to commend and thank the citizens who intervened and acted swiftly to protect a child from harm,” Lindemann said. “While incidents like this are rare in Williamson County, it is truly a blessing that the citizens in the park responded quickly and decisively to ensure a child’s safety.”

Garza has been charged with Attempted Kidnapping and Failure to Identify by Giving False or Fictitious Information. His bond was set at $100,000 for the attempted kidnapping charge and $3,000 for the failure to identify charge.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 512-943-1311 or Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-253-7867.