Sikeston police say kidnapping report false, robbery reported in wrong area

SIKESTON, Mo. -- In a four-day period, Sikeston police received two reports of crimes that had less-than-credible information.

Around 11 a.m. Monday, a 12-year-old girl reported she had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted, according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

During an interview with police, the girl admitted she made up the statement to cover up her sexual involvement with an older man and her absence from school, the release stated.

The case was under investigation.

On Friday morning, a victim and witness told officers of a robbery. After searching the area for more than two hours where the victim and witness said the crime occurred, officers determined the crime did not occur where the witness and victim said, the release stated.

According to Sikeston police, such misinformation leads to wasted time and officers becoming more skeptical when receiving such reports, according to the release.