UIW athlete suspected of stabbing San Antonio mother and kidnapping boy

SAN ANTONIO — A track and field athlete from the University of the Incarnate Word is accused of kidnapping a 3-year-old child and stabbing his mother with a screwdriver in northeast San Antonio Thursday afternoon.

Police say MaiRaja Rankin, 19, a native of Round Rock, stabbed a young mother as she tried to get her son back. Rankin then supposedly carried it away until a nearby man “heard a noise” and was able to grab the baby from Rankin, whereupon she ran away and hid in a closet.

Officers eventually arrived and took her into custody on charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to the San Antonio Police Department, the mother said she did not know Rankin.

“I heard screams, very loud screams, like terror,” said Omar Ortega, who says it was his apartment that Rankin eventually crashed into. “She’s not right in the head.”

Although he was not at home at the time, Ortega told KENS 5 that it all happened in real time via a security camera installed in their living room. He says Rankin snuck in through the sliding door.

“My wife says: “What are you doing here? This is not your apartment! Leave!” She (Rankin) then said, “Shh!”

Ortega says that Rankin stole the crosses from their kitchen along with the scissors before hiding in the closet. His wife, niece and mother-in-law called 911 before running outside.

UIW officials confirmed to KENS 5 that Rankin is a university student-athlete, but her status on the team is unknown. The school did not provide any further statements, citing an ongoing police investigation.

Rankin is jailed on $150,000 bail and is due in court on February 28.

>TRENDS ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE:

Ever since it aired in 1950. CENS 5 strives to be the best, most trusted source of news and entertainment for generations of San Antonio residents.

KENS 5 brought many firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar, and the first to broadcast a local morning news program.

Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens that brings history into the homes of local viewers. We are proud of our heritage as we serve the people of San Antonio today.

Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard for local broadcasting and is recognized by peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on the stories that really matter to our community.

You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, Application KENS 5, KENS channel 5 on YouTubeKens 5 Roku And Fire TV apps and social networks facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!

Interested in connecting with someone from KENS 5? You can send a message using our contact page or email one of our team members.