It seems TV shows with guns and crime aren't always bad for kids. Case in point: an 11-year-old girl who helped police catch her alleged abductor using a trick she'd learned from Law & Order SVU.
A shocking abduction attempt
While an 11-year-old girl in Florida was waiting for the bus, she was mixing blue paint with homemade slime, as kids do. Then all of a sudden, a white SUV pulled up and a man sprinted towards her in a shocking attempt to kidnap the girl, who was identified as Alyssa.
Alyssa tried to run away, but the man, who was holding a knife, caught up to her and started dragging her to the car — but she resisted. Alyssa tossed some of the slime on his arm, so he ran back to the car and drove away.
Alyssa said she knew to mark the guy with the slime and defend herself by watching Law & Order: SVU with her mom.
"I knew that that might be better evidence if the cops do find him," she told Today.
She did the right thing
Footage of the attack was captured on a police security camera and the alleged abductor, Jared Paul Stanga, 30, was charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13 and aggravated assault and battery.
"The victim at the time of the attempted abduction was playing with blue slime," Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said at a news conference. "The suspect, when we caught him, had blue slime all over his own arms."
"I'm not so sure if she actually comprehends what could have happened. She fought like a trooper."
Sheriff Chip Simmons
Props from the actor who plays Olivia Benson
When the actor who plays Olivia Benson on SVU, Mariska Hargitay, got word of the girl's defiance — and the influence of the show — she posted on Instagram.
"Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe. And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story," Gargitay wrote. "You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman. I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear! Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska."
As for the girl, she's seeing a counsellor but her mom says she's her normal, resourceful self.
"I just feel proud of myself," Alyssa told Today.
Preparing our kids for the worst isn't easy
No parent wants to see something happen to their child like what happened to Alyssa.
As parents, we can try and train them to be safe as best as possible, but we'll never know what they pick up and if they'll do the right thing when the time comes. Thankfully, this girl managed to keep herself safe, and it wasn't thanks to a tip from her parents or teacher, but a TV show. Maybe crime shows are good for kids to watch after all?
Err, I think we'll need some more evidence before making that conclusion.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.