Tulsa Mom's Actions Credited With Saving Son From Kidnapping

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa mother got the scare of her life when two men tried to abduct her 3-year-old son earlier this week. Police arrested one of the men but were still looking for the other Tuesday evening.

Tulsa Police say the mother showed some real street smarts, and that's not only what saved her and her son but also made it easier for them to find and arrest one of the suspects.

Sandra was enjoying a quiet moment at Maple Park, her 3-year-old on her lap about 5:30 Monday evening. Two men who looked homeless sat on either side of her on the park bench.

All of a sudden, they snatched little Aiden from her and started talking about killing her. She grabbed her son back, even though the men shoved her and pulled her hair.

Sandra took off running, and they followed. She couldn't find a business that was open until she saw a gym which was full of people.

7/12/2010 Related Story: Tulsa Police Look For Suspect In Attempted Abduction Of 3-Year-Old Boy

"Kudos to her because she made a beeline down here," said Lisa Wolfe of Your Personal Trainers. "There's not a better place in the area unless you go to a home, and you don't know if they'll be there."

Sandra borrowed a phone and called 911, and one thing that impressed police was the very detailed description she was able to give of both men.

The folks in the gym were impressed that the mother managed to stay calm.

"I thought it was cool that she had a calm demeanor so her child didn't get upset," Wolfe said.

Police went to an area frequented by homeless men and saw one who matched Sandra's description. They arrested Mitchell Keith, who told them the name of the other man was Gary Keefer.

Reports show Keith refused to comment any further.

Lisa says they have clients who walk in Maple Park, and this has everyone on edge.

"We have another client here today who says she takes her little boy up there and is now second guessing that," she said.

Police say in addition to giving such great descriptions that included height, weight, clothes and tattoos, Sandra didn't hesitate, but immediately fought back to save her child. Plus she ran and didn't stop until she found an area crowded with people to get help.

They believe all those actions led to this case having a happy ending.