I walked to the convenience store (for comic books and candy) and, if I could find someone to play with, played outside until the sun started going down or the other children went home, since I was an only child. But that was in the 1960s, in a town full of military and retired people. This little boy is in a suburb of Atlanta and is an easy size to snatch. Perhaps the police have gotten too many calls from frantic parents with missing children. I think these parents are idiots for not requiring their children to only go somewhere if someone will go with them.
I’ve also read plenty of old cases about children being kidnapped, abused, murdered or disappearing altogether from all the years people thought children were safe. You’re blessed you didn’t run into any of these monsters, as was I. I’m now seeing videos of children being grabbed from right next to their parents. If that doesn’t impress parents enough to take precautions, then they’re not facing reality and may pay a painfully high price some day.
It can happen. But most likely will not.