Lincoln Police arrested Dalton Gilsdorf Wednesday morning.

They say he was involved in what they initially thought was an attempted kidnapping of two small children.

Police believe Gilsdorf was not trying to kidnap the children, but instead was trying to steal the car.

It happened at about 12:30 Wednesday afternoon in the families driveway at 1524 SW 15th street.s.

Police say the father of a 3-year-old and 8-month-old reported fighting off a man who was trying to kidnap them.

The man told police he had put the children in their car seats about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday while his sport utility sat in his driveway.

He says he went back inside to get a stroller.

Capt. Jim Davidsaver says that when the man went back outside, he heard the 3-year-old screaming and saw a man inside the SUV.

Davidsaver says the father struggled with the man and punched him in the face.

Then the man got on a bicycle and raced away.

Early Thursday morning, Gilsdorf's family member called to report that Gilsdorf came home with a stolen bike.

Both Gilsdorf and the bicycle matched the description provided by witnesses to Wednesday's incident.

Lincoln Police questioned Gilsdorf. He was lodged in jail for unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, trespassing and disturbing the peace.

Police do not believe Gilsdorf was trying to kidnap the children.

They say he was most likely trying to steal the car, which appeared to be unattended with the doors open,

Police believe he say it as an opportunity for petty theft.

Police say Gilsdorf is developmentally delayed with a history of theft.