Topics: Crime, News, World News, US News, Parenting
When a Kansas babysitter was asked earlier this week to investigate the 'monster' underneath a child's bed, she had no idea of the very real horror they'd soon come face-to-face with.
Within minutes, police would be dispatched to the property, and the unnamed child-minder would left with both injuries and likely, lifelong trauma.
The terrifying tale was told on Wednesday by a spokesperson from Barton County Sheriff's office, revealing that at around 22:00 on Monday (24 Mar), they received a panicked telephone call from Patton Road, just outside of Great Bend in Kansas, US.
"Upon arrival the deputies contacted the victim who stated she was babysitting children at the residence," the police statement continued.
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"When putting the children to bed, one child complained there was a 'monster' under their bed."
It wasn't until the babysitter ventured into the youngster's bedroom and clambered onto the ground with the intention of easing their discomforts that the truth in their claim emerged.
Laying under the bed was an adult man.
"An altercation ensued with the babysitter and one child was knocked over in the struggle," Barton County police continued.
Following the physical conformation, the suspect fled from the scene before investigating authorities arrived.
"Deputies searched the area that evening for the suspect but were unable to locate him."
Thankfully, however, the 'monster' was later apprehended by police and identified as Martin Villalobos Junior.
The following morning, the 27-year-old returned to the surrounding area of the property, unaware that deputies were still searching for him.
After attempting to flee from law enforcement, a short foot pursuit resulted in Villalobos being captured.
According to police, the suspect previously lived at the property in question, but had a protection from abuse order against him to keep away.
He was arrested on the scene and transported the Barton County Jail. There, he was 'booked on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary' and 'aggravated battery'.
Villalobos was also charged with 'child endangerment, felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer and violation of a protection from abuse order'. He is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.
After Barton County Police shared the news on Facebook, a number of users took to the comments to share their horror - many of whom heaped sympathy onto the anonymous babysitter.
"I’m glad everyone’s safe but that poor babysitter will probably never babysit again and those children will never believe there’s not a monster under the bed," one gushed. "A literal living nightmare."
Another pointed out: "So glad the babysitter listened & took the kids seriously. So easy to brush it off & reasure the kids there is nothing there."
"Props to the babysitter! That must have been a terrible and terrifying encounter," a third continued.
