SANFORD, Florida — A man who called Spectrum News 13 and identified himself as the father of a 3-month-old girl who authorities say was kidnapped, setting off an Amber Alert, said he's not a bad father and was involved in the child's life.
- Tedrick Mazion accused of kidnapping baby daughter
- Baby was returned unharmed Sunday afternoon
- Man who ID'd himself as Tedrick Mazion calls Spectrum News 13
Tedrick Mazion said he called the station to set the record straight and said he loves his daughter, Na'Tori.
Na'Tori was taken Sunday morning from the Park at Ravello apartments on West Seminole Boulevard in Sanford at about 8:30 a.m., Sanford Police say. Witnesses told investigators that they saw Mazion take the baby from the mother by force.
The baby was returned to Mazion's mother's home Sunday afternoon by a woman who knew Mazion. That woman was quickly taken into custody. It's not clear whether the woman will face charges.
"I was climbing up my stairs, and I hear screaming and yelling, and I look across and I see a man has a baby in his arms, and the mother is basically being dragged outside the house," neighbor and witness Diane Bettis said.
Bettis started screaming at the man.
"I said, 'Leave the baby alone. I am calling the police.' Before I could turn around and get my phone out, he had the baby in the car. The mother was crying and was driving that way. I seen a red car go that way," Bettis said.
"They were happy and screaming, but the police were not. They were after whoever was driving that car," witness Eileen Hernandez said.
Mazion has not been located since.
In a phone call to Spectrum News 13, a man who identified himself as Mazion said he has seen his daughter every Sunday and loves her.
Police had said Tedrick Mazion was not involved in the baby's life, but he says he was and loves his daughter.
Mazion's mother, Teresa, broke down in tears as she described how she felt when she heard about what happened.
"I know he loves her, but he's going about it the wrong way," Teresa Mazion said.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the kidnapping case or Mazion's location to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS or Sanford Police at 407-688-5070.
"I truly love you, and I need you to give yourself up," Teresa Mazion said.