Family crediting dog for rescuing children from possible kidnapping

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WPMT) -- A couple in Franklin County is crediting their rescue dog for saving their three kids from a possible kidnapping.

This comes after a Washington Township man confesses to breaking into multiple homes and looking for a child to abduct near Lower Edgemont Road.

The Lambert family says their 4-year-old “Edgar” a hound-mix rescued them from what could have been a horrifying situation.

Thom Lambert says last week, his dog started acting strange.

“It was like a growl howl with that mixed at the same time," said Lambert. “It was obvious he was really upset and as soon as I got him to quit barking I heard sounds of someone going down the stairs," he added.

The couple's three daughters ages three six and eight were sound asleep.

Lambert says he called 911 but they didn't find anything.

Just a few days later 20-year-old Thomas Dewald was arrested for abducting a 4-year-girl down the street from Lambert's home.

According to police, Dewald confessed to locking the young girl into a wooden chest under his bed before escaping while he was at work.

Police say Dewald also confessed he had scoped out other homes with children after the girl got away.

“He said that he had been in the house and then our hearts really dropped," said Lambert.

Police told Lambert that Dewald came in through a downstairs kitchen window and walked upstairs but was scared off by their dog, Edgar.