DETECTIVES DETERMINE TWO RECENT REPORTS OF ABDUCTION AND ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION TO BE FALSEBoston Police have determined that two recent reports of abduction and attempted abduction were fabricated incidents. Based upon interviews conducted by investigators, both juveniles have admitted that the scenarios they presented to their parents and authorities were fictitious.
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “Keeping our City’s children safe from harm is a top priority for the Boston Police Department. The department puts a tremendous amount of resources and energy into creating a safe environment for our local youth. Obviously, it is frustrating for us when those resources are squandered. I am thankful that both of these children are uninjured and am confident that through parental guidance and community service they will have learned a valuable lesson and appreciate the seriousness of their actions.”
Incident Descriptions:
• On Thursday May 22, 2008 the Boston Police Department sought the public’s assistance in locating a 14 year-old female who had been missing since early morning. Officers received a report from her mother that she did not arrive at school as expected. The teen soon sent her mother text messages indicating that she needed help and did not know where she was. Officers embarked on an investigation and thorough search for the teen. She was ultimately located at the corner of Quincy Street and Blue Hill Avenue. Further investigation revealed that she had been in the company of a friend for the day and was never in harm’s way.
• On Monday May 19, 2008 at approximately 8:55am, officers responded to 29 Rita Road, St Brendan’s School, to investigate a report of an attempted abduction. An officer spoke to the victim, a 12 year old male, who stated while on his way to school around 8:15am in the area of 663 Gallivan Blvd, an unknown male approached him and attempted to grab him. The victim stated the suspect approached him from the rear vacant lot next of 663 Gallivan Blvd and stated, \”Hey\” and then grabbed the victim’s right arm and attempted to pull the victim into the vacant lot. The victim was able to break free from the suspect. He then fled through numerous yards and streets in an attempt to lose the suspect. The victim made his way to St. Brendan’s School and immediately notified the principal of the incident. Police soon broadcast the suspect description and officers canvassed the area to no avail. Further investigation revealed that the young man had fabricated his story because he was concerned about being tardy for school.
Currently the Boston Police School Police Unit will work with the families of these two children to assist them with receiving any necessary social services. Also officers are seeking to get the children involved in community service. In addition, the Boston Police School Police Unit is working closely with the Boston School Department to develop an educational awareness program to reinforce to students the true and serious ramifications for falsifying information to their parent and authorities.
The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to urge parents to have a conversation with their children about the seriousness of both these situations and the consequences that result.
Lastly, the department would also like to extend their gratitude to the members of the media for your swift response, responsible attention and helpful cooperation on these matters. Your efforts are much appreciated.