Indiana Man Indicted on Federal Kidnapping Charge; Allegedly Abducted Child in Calumet City

CHICAGO (CBS) — An Indiana man has been indicted on a federal kidnapping charge for allegedly abducting a child from a Calumet City street in broad daylight last month.

The abduction was captured on security camera video.

On Dec. 20, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Bryan Protho grabbed the child as she walked on the sidewalk near 153rd Street and Burnham Avenue in Calumet City, according to the indictment.

Protho forced the minor into his red Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle and drove away, according to the indictment.

He then parked the vehicle in an alley and allegedly assaulted the child. The victim was able to escape and flag down a passing vehicle, and law enforcement was contacted.

Protho, 38, of East Chicago, Ind., was arrested on Dec. 27, 2017, and he remains in federal custody. The indictment charges him with one count of kidnapping.

CBS 2 Security Consultant Ross Rice, formerly of the FBI, says authorities are likely trying to determine if the suspect has other victims they don't know about.

The FBI is asking anyone with information to call (312) 421-6700.

Protho has a lenghtly criminal past, including charges of attempted first degree murder back in 1998. He cut a plea deal in that case and served 180 days on a charge of armed violence. He went back to jail in 2000 for two years on charges of aggravated use of a weapon by a felon.

The FBI and the local departments jointly investigated the case.

The kidnapping charge is punishable by a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life.