BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A 10-year-old girl was reportedly dragged by her hair Tuesday night into an apartment on the 1900 block of Flower Street by a would-be kidnapper.

The girl's family and some witnesses quickly went to the suspect's apartment to rescue the girl, according to a news release from the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

The unidentified victim told deputies that the suspect, 28-year-old Cassandra Knox, continued to hit her while they were inside the apartment. The girl only suffered minor injuries and declined medical aid, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies arrested Knox on suspicion of kidnapping and child endangerment. The victim's mother told investigators that Knox is constantly threatening her daughters and challenging them to fight. The sheriff's office didn't specify why Knox allegedly fights with the children.

Court records show Knox has a criminal history that includes drug use, prostitution, theft and assault. She even pleaded no contest last year to a misdemeanor charge of child stealing.