She might be the youngest crime fighter in Miami, but 7-year-old A-nari Taylor acted much like an adult when she literally fought off a man at least twice her size.
Her bravery earned the tough youngster an award from Miami Police at a ceremony Tuesday.
Police say 39-year-old David Moore tried to kidnap Taylor's cousin Brandon two months ago as they played outside his Overtown apartment.
"The man started pulling him, and we start pulling him back and I had to chop and kick him so he could let Brandon go," Taylor said, adding that her protective instincts kicked in. "Cause my momma always said safety is first."
Taylor was able to stand up to the strange man, who claimed that God told him to take the child, according to police. Moore eventually let go and started walking away.
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"With the information that she provided the officers, were able to apprehend the defendant," Miami Police Commander Anita Najiy said. "He was charged with attempted kidnapping and false imprisonment."
"I'm very, very proud of her and she knows that I love her. What she did was very brave," said Tanya Dingle, Taylor's mother.
At Tuesday's ceremony, Taylor received a standing ovation. Officers surprised the little girl with a SpongeBob SquarePants jacket. Next up for the 7 year old? perhaps martial arts.
"She always said she wanted to get into karate so this is the beginning," Dingle said.
Taylor said she still plays outside but always in a big group and with mom watching close by.
