Captain Olivia Benson knows a real hero when she sees one.
Mariska Hargitay offered up her praise to a young “Law & Order: SVU” fan who used a tactic from the long-running series to help police capture her would-be kidnapper.
Earlier this week, a viral video showed an 11-year-old girl in Florida fight off an attempted abduction by a man in a white SUV as she played by a bus stop. It was later revealed that the girl, known as Alyssa, smeared blue slime she was playing with on the man so he’d be easier to track down by police.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said at a news conference Wednesday, "The suspect, when we caught him, had blue slime all over his own arms… I'm not so sure if she actually comprehends what could have happened. She fought like a trooper."
In an interview, Alyssa told "Today" she picked up the potentially life-saving tip by watching her favorite show, “Law & Order: SVU.”
Hargitay happened to catch the segment and took to social media to commend the young girl for her bravery.
"Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe," wrote Hargitay, who has played Olivia Benson on “SVU” since 1999. "I am so honored to be part of your incredible story. You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman."
The actress also joked how she might use Alyssa’s slime maneuver on a future episode of the show.
"I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear!" the 57-year-old added. "Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska."
Alyssa’s attempted kidnapper, 30-year-old Jared Paul Stanga, was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault and battery, and is being held on just over $1.5 million bond.
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