The young girl who fought off an attempted kidnapper using a technique from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been praised by the show's lead actress, Mariska Hargitay.
Last week, 11-year-old Alyssa spoke with Today's Kerry Sanders about the alarming encounter, which saw her smear blue "slime" on the man as he tried to drag her to his car in a distressing scene that was caught on camera.
The youngster said of her SVU-inspired tactic the time: "I was able to get the slime onto his upper arm, and a little bit on his lower arm. I knew that that might be better evidence if the cops do find him."
Alyssa was widely praised for her quick thinking and has even found a fan in actress Mariska Hargitay, who has played detective Olivia Benson on the hit crime drama for more than 20 years.
Taking to Instagram, Mariska shared a special message with the young girl, alongside a screenshot of a Today article featuring her incredible story.
The 57-year-old actress wrote: "Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe. And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story.
"You are one BRAVE, Strong, and Smart young woman. I think the SVU squad might have to add slime to their crimefighting gear! Take good care of yourself and each other. With all my love, your number one fan, Mariska."
What's more, Mariska even got to speak to the brave pre-teen as part of another interview with Today, the day after the actress shared her sweet post.
Mariska and Alyssa both appeared on the program virtually, as the Today show surprised the 11-year-old with the opportunity of meeting the star of one of her favorite shows.
The SVU actress told her: "I'm so incredibly honored to meet you. First of all how are you doing? Are you ok?" to which Alyssa said, "I'm good."
Mariska continued: "I just want to tell you how blown away me and all of my squad are and I think the whole world right now that you had the forethought and the where with all to do what you did and I am just blown away.'"
Thrilled by the honor, Alyssa told the star: "It's amazing to meet you. I never thought in my whole entire life that I was going to be able to even meet you."
Per CNN, suspect Jared Paul Stang has been charged with attempted kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated assault with a weapon, and simple battery.
