Police: Stalking claim at Jackson park deemed misunderstood prank

The Jackson Police Department investigated reports of suspicious activity in the City Park over the weekend but concluded the incident was not predatory behavior but rather was a misunderstanding, authorities said.

Contacted by phone Monday, a Jackson police public-information officer referred all media questions to a statement posted by the department Monday afternoon on Facebook.

In the post, the department acknowledges having received several calls about suspicious activity in the City Park, but said the suspect had thought the victim was one of his friends.

�[The suspect] attempted to play a prank on the female and immediately apologized to her,� the statement said.

�We found there to be no malicious intent, but deemed the behavior as inappropriate,� the post read. �The male was told to leave the park and we completed a report for the incident.�

The post also stated the �complainant was satisfied with the investigation as well.�

The department nonetheless encouraged residents to be vigilant and report to authorities any suspicious activity.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573)388-3627