A man who allegedly abducted a five-year-old child in broad daylight in Civic on Saturday will face court.
The 26-year-old man will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday charged with unlawfully taking a child and possessing a knife without a reasonable excuse.
It's alleged the man grabbed the five-year-old, who was not known to the man, about 1pm on Saturday near Petrie Plaza in Civic.
ACT police have alleged the man then ran towards a laneway holding the child.
The child's mother and members of the public chased after the man, after which police say he let go of the child and also dropped a knife.
The man was restrained at the scene by members of the public before police arrived.
The 26-year-old was then arrested and was taken to the ACT Watch House to be questioned.
He was formally charged with both offences on Sunday.
Speaking to the media, ACT Policing detective superintendent Jason Kennedy acknowledged the efforts of passers-by who helped.
"Police would like to thank the members of the public that assisted the mother of the child and assisted in chasing down the man and getting the child back," Detective Superintendent Kennedy said.
"Police are unable to say anything more because the matter is before the court."
Anyone with information has been urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
