More than $50,000 has been raised for a 35-year-old New York mother who was severely injured after she fought off a suspect attempting to kidnap her 18-year-old daughter. According to the New York Post, the January 2024 incident occurred inside Adriana Alvarez’s Astoria apartment building.
The GoFundMe, which was set up to raise funds for Alvarez’s rent as well as her hospital and home bills, stated that the would-be abductor approached the injured mother’s teen daughter from behind. The teen was said to be returning home after walking her dogs.
The incident occurred in their apartment hallway and was captured on a doorbell camera. “The assailant approached the young girl from behind and attempted to forcibly take her down the stairs,” the fundraiser states.
“It was the yelling and cries for help that alerted Adriana to what was happening and, as the fearless mother she is, did not hesitate to fight back and defend her daughter from the would-be kidnapper.”
Alvarez eventually managed to fight off her daughter’s would-be abductor. But she suffered a fractured orbital bone, a fractured elbow, and a broken shoulder from the assault that ensued.
The suspect who attempted to abduct Alvarez’s daughter was later identified as George Vassiliou. He faces a slew of charges including attempted kidnapping, assault, weapon possession, unlawful possession of noxious matter, harassment, and violating an order of protection, the New York Post reported.
Police sources also said Vassiliou, who is being held on a $50,000 bail, had parked a rental car outside the victims’ apartment, adding that a bag with items including a rope, sleeping pills, and tampons was retrieved from the vehicle.
Individuals who donated to the fundraiser commended Alvarez for her courage and coming to her daughter’s rescue. “God bless the Mama Bear and her daughter. The criminal thug needs to be locked up forever,” a donor said.
“So impressed by your relentless courage! Applauding you as a mother!’ another individual also said.
“From one Mother Bear to another God Bless You and your family. I would also fight to the end to protect my children. You are my hero!! Praying for a speedy recovery,” another donor said.
