Full Breakdown
Attempted Kidnapping of a 4-Year-Old Outside a Brooklyn McDonald’s
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident
On a Monday evening in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Chrissy Payne, 47, of Flatlands allegedly seized 4-year-old J’Marke Roberts from his 66-year-old grandmother outside a McDonald’s on Eastern Parkway near Utica Avenue. A family member intervened, and Payne fled south on Utica Avenue after dragging the child across the street. No injuries were reported, and the boy returned to school later that week.
Key Individuals
- Chrissy Payne – Suspect, charged with attempted kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.
- J’Marke Roberts – Victim, 4 years old.
- Anyia James Roberts – Mother of J’Marke, off-duty police officer, 7 months pregnant at the time of the incident.
- Gentle Roberts – Father of J’Marke and husband of Anyia James Roberts.
Police Action and Legal Status
Brooklyn police released surveillance footage showing Payne in a white shirt, black shorts, and black sandals, seeking public assistance in identification. She has five prior arrests in 2026 for assault and petit larceny. Payne was handcuffed around 11:45 p.m. on Friday and charged with attempted kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. Her arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court was pending on Saturday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His mom pulled him away from her,” — Marke Roberts
- “She was saying, ‘That’s my kid!’ She was saying that more than once,” — Marke Roberts
Aftermath
Family members praised Anyia James Roberts for retrieving the child, describing her as “a strong woman” and a hero. The incident sparked concern among local residents, prompting calls for increased vigilance around public gathering spots. Payne remains in custody pending court proceedings.