“Attempted Kidnapping” at Binghamton’s Recreation Park
A Johnson City man faces attempted kidnapping and child endangerment charges after an incident at Recreation Park on Binghamton's West Side.
Authorities said city police were told two children had been approached by a stranger in the park around 5:30 p.m. Monday.
Investigators said the man asked "suspicious questions" and offered the children ice cream. At one point, he was said to have reached out a hand toward one of the youths.
The children reported the incident to a park employee, who tried to locate the man. The suspect left the park in a vehicle before the worker could speak with him. The employee managed to take a photograph of the vehicle before the man fled.
Police said a suspect in the incident was located late Tuesday afternoon. They said 27-year-old Naim Islam was taken into custody at his home in Johnson City.
According to a news release, Islam has been charged with one felony count of second-degree attempted kidnapping. He also was charged with two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Islam was arraigned in Binghamton City Court Wednesday afternoon. He was ordered held at Broome County Jail.
Police said their investigation is ongoing. People with information may contact the detective division at 607-772-7080.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
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