Maine woman, 65, foiled abduction, says she was ready for a 'big fight' if necessary

The Associated Press
December 19, 2014 at 5:35PM

AUGUSTA, Maine — A Maine museum worker who prevented the abduction of a 2-year-old girl is a 65-year-old woman with a bum knee. But Sharon Wise says there would've been a "big fight" if the man hadn't given up.

Wise said Friday that the suspect, James Cavallaro, caught her eye because he was acting strangely.

She tells The Associated Press that Cavallaro grabbed the girl at the Maine State Museum while her grandmother's back was turned. Wise says she quickly intervened, looking him in the eye and telling him, "Don't you touch her. You let her go!"

Police say Cavallaro was out on bail when he was arrested Tuesday outside the museum.

He remained jailed Friday, charged with assault and violating terms of release in another case. It's unclear if he has an attorney.

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