BAY SHORE, N.Y. (PIX11) – A homeless man is accused of almost kidnapping a 4-year-old boy inside a Bay Shore mosque on Wednesday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Police said it happened at Masjid Darul Quran around 5:45 p.m. Nelson Priester, 39, allegedly led the child away from the prayer hall to the mosque basement, according to authorities.

Police said Priester is accused of barricading the door. A worshipper told the child’s grandfather he saw Priester take them, according to authorities.

Police said multiple people tried to get into the basement through the door to save the child, but were unable to. Someone had to climb through a window to get to the child, who wasn’t injured, according to authorities.

Priester was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping

See Full Page