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Police: Bucks County Mailman Prevents Kidnapping

By Diana Rocco

BRISTOL BOROUGH, Pa. (CBS) - Two families are forever grateful to their Bristol Borough mailman who has come to mean so much more.

"That day is absolutely every parent's worst nightmare. To this day I still stare at the corner where it happened and can't believe it," said Fred Ehrgott, the postal carrier whose now infamous on his route after saving two girls from a man trying to kidnap them.

Fred has been delivering the mail in the Washington Street neighborhood for years. Back in March he was on a route he's not usually on, a day he wasn't supposed to be a work when he saw Luis Lopez running after 9-year-old Melanie Jo Capriotti and her friend Mia. The girls were walking to another friend's house when police say Lopez attacked them.

"I saw the girls break free from him and he was running after them," Erhgott said.

Police say Lopez grabbed the girls by the neck and said, 'You're coming with me.'

They were able to get free. That's when Fred got out of his truck and yelled at Lopez who took off. But Fred recognized him from his route and was able to lead police to his home, not far from the where the incident happened on the 300 block of Washington Street.

"I stopped at the right time luckily that day I was there."

" I wish more people stepped up and did what he did that day. He did a great job," said Sgt. Joe Moors, one of the arresting officers.

Police arrested Lopez within the hour. This week, Fred was honored by the borough. He received a standing ovation from the mayor and council. The girls read letters thanking Fred. Still, he says, he's no hero.

"It was the right place at the right time, and instinct," said Erhgott.

" He doesn't considered himself a hero because that's who he is, that's what's in his heart," says Blair Capriotti, Melanie Jo's father, who says Erhgott is now his friend for life, and thank you doesn't describe what he's done for his daughter.

After Lopez's arrest, two more victims came forward and identified Lopez for stalking them. He's now being held on $2 Million.

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