CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- A man accused of trying to kidnap a 9-year-old girl at the San Ysidro border crossing last weekend pleaded not guilty Thursday to three felony charges, including attempted kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Paul James Simone, 43, faces more than six years in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Chandra Reid.

Simone -- who has two separate pending felony cases -- was ordered held without bail by South Bay Judge Stephanie Sontag.

In the latest case, the defendant allegedly grabbed the victim by the arm and yelled that she was his daughter late Sunday afternoon, while she and her mother were waiting to cross the street at Camino de la Plaza and San Ysidro Boulevard.

The mother tightened her grip on her daughter and screamed until two witnesses tackled Simone to the ground, and he was arrested a short time later, according to police.

In addition to attempted kidnapping and false imprisonment, Simone is charged with assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, Reid said.

A readiness conference was set for Sept. 17 and a preliminary hearing for Sept. 22.