Local dad uses judo move to help Jersey City police apprehend alleged park pervert

[Bill Mattocks]

Another win for the good guys.

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-10/1276497634284530.xml&coll=3

Local dad uses judo move to help Jersey City police apprehend alleged park pervert


Monday, June 14, 2010 By CHARLES HACK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

An alleged pervert who has reportedly grabbed and kissed kids at a Jersey City park is behind bars thanks to swift and bold action by a 34-year-old dad who tackled the suspect Saturday and held him until police arrived, police reports said.

...
While calling police on his cellphone, Halikias walked over to Modi, who, according to police reports, was squatting and appeared to be looking at the kids in the playground.
Halikias, who has studied judo, said Modi tried to flee, but he tripped him and pinned him down with the help of another man.
"I am just very proud," Halikias' wife Rosa Menendez, 32, said yesterday.
Police commended the father of two for his courage.
"Because the father was diligent and observant and called the police, we were immediately able to apprehend and arrest the individual so he was not able harm children in the area," Police Director Samuel Jefferson said through a spokesman.