Suspect's Detention Extended in Alleged Kidnapping of 10-Year-Old

The detention of a 20-year-old Jerusalem resident, suspected of kidnapping 10-year-old Yahli Shabtay, was extended by three days by the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Monday. Yahli went missing on Sunday evening from his home in the Kfar Ganim G neighborhood of Petah Tikva, where he was playing with friends in a nearby park. He was found approximately five hours later, around 1:30 AM, in Bnei Brak, accompanied by the suspect.

According to Yahli's mother, Shiran Shabtay, the incident began when the suspect approached the children in the park, asking for money. When they said they had none, he used one of the children's phones to look up directions to Bnei Brak on Waze. He then allegedly used the phone to make a call, which he later deleted. Investigators were able to recover the deleted call, which provided a crucial lead in locating Yahli.

Yahli recounted the ordeal, stating the suspect told him he needed his help and asked him to solicit money from people. He described being taken far from home and feeling scared. His mother reported him missing to the police as friends provided more details about the encounter with the stranger.

The search concluded when Yahli was found in Bnei Brak with the suspect. The suspect was arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of kidnapping. Yahli's mother expressed her relief at his safe return but also her fear and hope that the suspect will not be released, deeming him dangerous to the public.