Police say a possible sexual assault of the child is now part of their investigation. Because of that, AB7 News has opted not to release the name or show the victim of this crime.
Leshay Burks started honking her car horn to alert police the moment she realized she may be parked next to the suspect's car at the marina.
"The only thing I could think about doing was honking the horn, so I started honking my horn," she said. "Being nosy is what led us to this little girl. It's okay to be nosy, I'm nosy, and it paid off last night."
Information was broadcast in an AMBER Alert kidnapping of a 7-year-old Antioch girl.
"That could be your child, that could be your sister, that could be your niece, you know?" she said. "It could be someone close to you."
Officers located the suspect's gold Toyota Camry only two blocks from the police station.
"I'm happy we found it anywhere and the girl was returned safely to her family," Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantado said.
Police arrested the driver 43-year-old David Douglas of Antioch. Authorities say he has no connection to the family and is not a registered sex offender.
The search for the girl began Friday night about 6:45 after police say Douglas followed the family home from a shopping trip at Walmart. As the child's mother was unloading groceries in the driveway, the suspect approached, grabbed the girl at gunpoint, and drove off.
An AMBER Alert was activated and the search for her lasted almost four hours.
Police believe Douglas tried to kidnap another child from their mother from the Antioch Wal-Mart on Thursday. Surveillance video helped identify him.
"And noted he worked for social services and asked the daughter to come with him," Chief Cantado explained. "The mother quickly realized he was not with social services and he left."
Many neighbors are stunned. They say their neighborhood is quiet and safe.
"It's very scary," neighbor Melissa Zachratos said. "I mean, nowadays you have to be on alert. And, you know, it's a sad thing that things like this have to happen."
The girl's family is requesting privacy, but says she is happy to be home with her family.
The police investigation continues.
