A man attacked a grandmother and her four-year-old granddaughter in the Oktyabrsky district of Novosibirsk on June 3. The incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. in “Molodezhny” square, has left the child traumatized and prompted a police investigation.

According to the girl’s father, Egor Sh., the grandmother, Natalya, was walking with her granddaughter, Masha, when an unknown man began harassing them. The man initially watched them from a balcony, shouting before approaching them and claiming Masha was his daughter. He then attempted to grab the child and take her away.

Natalya tried to escape with her granddaughter, but the man followed them, swearing. They sought help from passersby, and eventually a man assisted them in calling the police.

The attacker also allegedly took out a can resembling pepper spray and attempted to use it on the grandmother and child, but a bystander intervened. The canister was not found during the man’s arrest.

Police arrived and detained the man, and Egor and his wife filed a police report. The man was later transferred to a specialized medical institution.

Masha is reportedly traumatized by the incident and is asking if the man will return. The family is considering seeking psychological help for her.

The police confirmed that they received a statement and dispatched patrol officers to the scene.