Utah Mother Kidnapped 11-Year-Old Bully to Force Apology for Autistic Son

Shannon Marie Tufuga stopped an 11-year-old boy riding his bike in her Provo neighborhood and forced him into her car.

She was charged with second-degree felony child kidnapping and aggravated child abuse.

The 40-year-old mother had been driving around her neighborhood in September looking to confront the boy about reported bullying of her autistic son.

When Tufuga found the boy, she stopped her car in front of him and made him get into her vehicle.

The Forced Confrontation

At her house, Tufuga made the 11-year-old apologize to her child.

Court documents show she "threatened to have her husband beat him up" and told him he was "lucky she did not run over his bike."

The boy later told investigators that while he sat on the couch, an armed man stood nearby with a gun on his hip.

The Boy's Response

The 11-year-old had planned to apologize to Tufuga when she stopped him.

The incident left him with what court documents describe as "serious emotional distress" and "high anxiety," forcing him to significantly alter his daily routines.

No Remorse

Tufuga worked as a crossing guard for Provo City at the time of the alleged kidnapping.

She is no longer employed by the city.

Authorities said she showed no remorse, telling them she didn't care what happened to the boy and that she would do it again.

The case has divided parents online, with many calling her actions understandable even if wrong.