Boy recants story about abduction attempt

The Jackson boy who claimed to have been nearly abducted Saturday has recanted his story.

According to a statement released Monday afternoon by Capt. Rodney Barnes of the Jackson Police Department, officers conducted a detailed follow-up investigation after their initial probe turned up neither witnesses nor evidence to corroborate the 9-year-old’s claims.

On Saturday, the boy said a man had grabbed him from behind and begun dragging him toward a wooded area before the boy escaped by biting the assailant’s hand.

During a secondary interview, the boy admitted he “had been untruthful about the report,” the statement said.

The admission prompted police to end the investigation.

“We would also like to alleviate any fears related to this incident and let our community know that the matter has been resolved,” Barnes said in the statement.

Police, however, are reminding residents to continue to report all suspicious activity to ensure public safety.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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