Rochester Police Statement on Recent Abduction Attempt

Last Friday, Rochester Police responded to a report of an attempted abduction of two young children near the Gates of Rochester apartment complex on 41st St NW.

The children told police the older man showed a knife and grabbed the boy by the shoulder. At the same time, a woman began taking photographs of the children. Here's the original story.

Rochester Police Captain, John Sherwin, sent the following update out today:

On Friday, February 12th at 4:30 pm, Rochester Police responded to the report of an attempted abduction at The Gates of Rochester, 2015 NW 41st Street. Two children, 6 and 7 years of age, reported that a male and female suspect attempted to abduct them after they exited their school bus and walked to their apartment. A weapon was alleged to have been displayed during the attempt.

Due to the serious nature of the allegation and out of concern for public safety, information regarding the abduction attempt was widely distributed to the community. In addition, Rochester Police and Rochester Public School officials collaborated on an action plan in an attempt to keep students safe while the investigation was on-going.

Currently, the investigation into this incident is coming to a close. Considerable time, effort, and staff hours have been devoted to this case during the past week. Based on numerous interviews and information developed during the course of this investigation, it has been determined that no public safety threat exists and the events in question did not occur as originally reported.

A balance always exists between alerting the public to potential danger and inducing widespread fear. As such, the Rochester Police Department wishes to extend our thanks to the public for their overwhelming response to this incident. In recent days, numerous tips and phone calls have been received from concerned citizens.

Thank you,

Captain John Sherwin