10-year-old was not kidnapped in Little Village, CPD declares investigation “unfounded”
Incident determined to be “bona fide,” or did not happen
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has reversed its earlier investigation, determining that a reported kidnapping in Little Village on Wednesday evening did not occur. The initial investigation was launched after a 10-year-old boy allegedly escaped from a man who grabbed him in his front yard and attempted to take him away.
Facts of the incident
According to a CPD community alert sent overnight Wednesday, the boy was in his front yard when a man grabbed him, put his arm around his neck and mouth, and forced him to walk out of the yard and onto Springfield Avenue, then east on 30th Street to Millard Avenue. The boy was able to break free from the man when he tried to make a phone call, at which point he ran back to his home and was found by his father, who called the police.
Initial investigation
The CPD launched an investigation into the incident, initially identifying it as a kidnapping. The department appealed to the public for any information that might be relevant to the case, asking that anyone with information submit anonymous tips online at cpdtip.org.
Case now classified as “unfounded”
After further investigation, the CPD has determined that the incident does not meet the criteria for a reported kidnapping. An “unfounded” classification means that the incident did not actually occur. The reason for the change in classification is not specified in the CPD’s announcement.
Conclusion
The Little Village community can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the reported kidnapping was not a genuine incident. While the initial report of the kidnapping sparked concern and worry among neighborhood residents, the CPD’s determination has brought closure to the situation.
FAQs
* Why was the incident initially reported as a kidnapping?
The exact reason for the initial report of a kidnapping is not specified, but it is possible that the boy’s father, who found him and called the police, initially believed that his son had been kidnapped.
* Why was the case classified as “unfounded”?
The CPD determined that the incident did not meet the criteria for a reported kidnapping, likely due to a lack of evidence or conflicting information.
* What should I do if I have information about the incident?
If you have any information that can contribute to the events surrounding this investigation, you can submit an anonymous tip online at cpdtip.org.
