Man attempts to abduct 4-year-old boy from mosque in Long Island; incident involves homeless individual.
A homeless man was arrested on charges of kidnapping after allegedly attempting to lead a four-year-old boy away from a prayer service at a mosque in Bay Shore, Long Island. The incident occurred on the evening of August 21, 2025, at the Masjid Darul Quran, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
At approximately 5:45 p.m., a concerned worshiper observed 39-year-old Nelson Priester leading the child away from the prayer hall. The worshiper immediately notified the boy’s grandfather, who alerted others in the mosque to the potential abduction. By this time, Priester had reportedly reached a basement kitchen where he barricaded the door. Multiple individuals attempted to gain access to the kitchen but were unsuccessful. Eventually, one person managed to enter through a service window, reaching the child who was unharmed.
Suffolk County authorities charged Priester with second-degree attempted kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. The police did not provide insight into his motives for the alleged act. Priester was scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on the following day.
Priester’s history with law enforcement indicates a pattern of previous offenses. Reports reveal that he was arrested twice in January 2022, first for various charges including third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and driving without a license. After being fitted with an ankle monitor, he was released without bail on the same day. The following day, he was stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving a stolen vehicle, leading to additional charges.
More recently, in June 2023, Priester faced charges of grand larceny related to a series of thefts involving flagpoles from multiple businesses in Riverhead, New York. Authorities apprehended him with flagpole hooks that were linked to the thefts.
The alarming situation at the mosque underscores concerns regarding community safety and the complexities surrounding homelessness and criminal behavior. As investigations continue, local residents are left to grapple with the implications of such incidents within their neighborhoods.
Police officials are expected to release further details as the case unfolds.
