A 23-year-old suspect was arrested Aug. 24 for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 3-year-old boy from L.A. Fitness in Federal Way.

Rocky Lasavii was charged on Aug. 26 for second degree kidnapping, then pleaded not guilty on Sept. 5 at his arraignment.

According to charging documents, the incident began when the boy — referred to as J.N. — whom Lasavii attempted to kidnap had hurt himself and was bleeding. Because he had an injury, the employee brought J.N. over to the gates so she could call the boy’s mother and let her know that J.N. was hurt. The employee said she noticed Lasavii inside the gym, but he was sitting in the adult waiting area.

According to charging documents, the employee said she saw Lasavii talking to J.N., and it appeared as if he was in conversation with J.N. Subsequently, she said Lasavii opened the gate, grabbed J.N. by the arm, and then began to escort him out of the enclosed area. The employee saidshe saw Lasavii take two steps toward the exit, but then she ran over and grabbed J.N. from Lasavii. She said that Lasavii made no statement and then fled.

Two employees then began to follow Lasavii as he fled the gym. Eventually, the two employees lost sight of him, but officers found him shortly after. When in police custody, the two employees who followed him positively identified Lasavii as the person who had attempted to kidnap J.N.

J.N.’s mother was asked if Lasavii was allowed to pick him up and if she knew him, but she said no to both. When officers arrested Lasavii, they read him his Miranda Rights and asked him if he understood, but he refused to speak to the officers.

Lasavii’s bail was set to $75,000, and as of Sept. 11, he was still in custody at Maleng Regional Justice Center. According to the charging documents, Lasavii’s prior convictions out of Washington include malicious mischief, theft, obstruction, possession of a controlled substance, reckless burning and criminal trespass. He additionally had a prior conviction out of Alaska for a domestic violence related assault.

Documents state that police believe that Lasavii is highly likely to commit a violent offense if he is released out of custody, and request that if he is released, it only be under electronic home detention with GPS monitoring.

Lasavii’s next court appearance will be on Sept. 24 for an omnibus hearing, and he is set to stand trial on Oct. 28.