Man facing charges after allegedly kissing 4-year-old playing outside in Jamaica Plain, MA

A 31-year-old Jamaica Plain (Mass) man was arrested Sunday after allegedly approaching a 4-year-old girl playing outside in the Boston neighborhood and then picking her up and kissing her.

Anthony Jackson was charged with kidnapping a child under 16 and indecent assault and battery on a child, according to Boston police.

Officers responded to a report of a fight shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday. According to police, here’s what transpired:

On arrival, officers spoke with witnesses who stated that they observed an unknown male approach a four-year-old victim who was outside playing. The suspect took the four-year-old by the hand, picked her up and kissed her. He then took several steps while holding her and proceeded to walk away. A witness yelled to the suspect to put the child down and then alerted the victim’s family members who chased the suspect and were able to stop him in the area.