Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Mariska Hargitay Praises 11-Year-Old Who Used 'Law & Order: SVU' Tactics To Fight Off Kidnapper

Mariska Hargitay Praises 11-Year-Old Who Used 'Law & Order: SVU' Tactics To Fight Off Kidnapper
Toni Anne Barson/FilmMagic/Getty Images; NBC News/Youtube

In Pensacola, Florida, 11-year-old Alyssa Bonal fought off an attempted kidnapping by Jared Stanga.

Bonal was able to fight him off and marked her attacker using tactics she learned from the long running TV-show Law & Order: SVU.


Bonal was playing with blue slime as she waited for the school bus. Stanga came out of a white van with a knife and attempted to take her into the van.

Security footage from nearby showed Bonal fought back and was able to run away to a nearby neighbor who's door was open.

youtu.be


Alyssa Bonal and her mother, Amber Bonal, spoke to NBC News where Alyssa explained:

"Me and my mom watch 'Law & Order: SVU,' Well, [you] see what happens if you're kidnapped."

Amber Bonal also told the Pensacola News Journal:

"Her first words were, 'Somebody tried to kidnap me. He grabbed me by my throat and he had a knife.' She said she was able to kick and she tripped him and freed herself."
"She said, 'Mom, I had to leave some sort of evidence behind, like on "Law & Order SVU".'"
"We've watched probably every episode on Hulu. She's a smart cookie, she thinks on her toes. She got that slime everywhere."

Because of the traces of blue slime Alyssa Bonal left on Stanga—and with the help of the securty footage—police were able to identify and arrest him.

Since the story came out, SVU star Mariska Hargitay posted a heartfelt message to Bonal on Instagram.

Hargitay has portrayed Detective Olivia Benson on SVU since 1999.

Hargitay wrote:

"Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe."
"And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story."
"You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman."
"I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear!"
"Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska."

The comments offered Bonal and Hargitay love and support and gave credit to the power of the popular television show.

@adamrosante/Instagram


@miasantiagohair/Instagram


@taranajaneen/Instagram


@poornagraphy_/Instagram


@lovehopecompassionjustice/Instagram


@lusianam88/Instagram


@mvriskahvrgitay/Instagram


@svuforyou/Instagram


@mariskaincalligraphy/Instagram


@mariskahargitayangel/Instagram

According to Deadline, Jason Stanga has been charged with battery, assault and attempted kidnapping of a child under the age of 13, with a bail set at $1.3 million.

More from Trending

Pam Bondi
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Photo Of Epstein Victims Standing Behind Pam Bondi As She Ignores Them Goes Viral—And It's One For The History Books

Attorney General Pam Bondi's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee will now forever be associated with a viral photo captured by Getty Images photographer Roberto Schmidt showing several victims of the late financier, sex trafficker, and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein raising their hands to signal that Bondi and the Justice Department had ignored their accounts.

Democrats repeatedly pressed Bondi over what they described as her dismissive posture toward the crimes of Epstein and the influential figures named in recently released files.

Keep ReadingShow less
Margot Robbie attends the "Wuthering Heights" Australian Premiere at State Theatre in Sydney, Australia.
Don Arnold/WireImage via Getty Images

Fans Horrified After Margot Robbie Reveals Weight-Shaming 'Gift' She Once Got From Male Costar

Margot Robbie is reflecting on a moment from early in her career that still stings.

The Australian actor and producer appeared on Complex’s GOAT Talk series on February 9, where she sat down with Charli XCX to discuss her career, romance films, and the worst gift she has ever received. What followed was a candid story about a male costar who handed her something that felt less like a present and more like a pointed message.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot from Redditor Bulgingpants' Reddit post
u/Bulgingpants/Reddit

Restaurant Sparks Heated Debate After Adding Mandatory 20% No-Tipping Fee To Diners' Checks

Tipping culture is an incredibly divisive topic, leading people to question if customers and restaurant guests should be made responsible for the livelihood of those who serve them their meals at these establishments.

Redditor Bulgingpants added fuel to the fire when they shared a receipt in the "End Tipping" subReddit from a restaurant called Burdell in Oakland, California, remarking:

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from @hackedliving's TikTok video
@hackedliving/TikTok

Viral Video Of Delivery Robot Maneuvering Around Unhoused Man In Miami Is Honestly So Dystopian

Technology is here to make our lives more convenient and successful, but it has a chilling way of calling out problems that we're experiencing.

In a TikTok video recorded by TikToker @hackedliving, an delivery robot named "Akira" was seen rolling down a sidewalk in Miami, eyes blinking as it approached its destination.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Dawson's Creek' cast
Warner Bros./Getty Images

'Dawson's Creek' Stars Lead Poignant Tributes To James Van Der Beek After His Tragic Death At 48

After revealing to the public in November 2025 that he was battling colorectal cancer, James Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 48.

Fans became concerned last December about the severity of his condition when Van Der Beek was unable to appear at the Dawson's Creek reunion at New York's Richard Rodgers Theatre, due to having multiple illnesses at once because of his weakened immune system.

Keep ReadingShow less