Update 2/27/19 at 11:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Police now say this story was fabricated by the child who alerted police. (See updated story here: St. Mary’s Police say attempted child abduction was a hoax
ST. MARY’S — Officers in St. Mary’s are investigating a reported attempted child abduction that occurred late Monday afternoon near the area of Hwy 24 and Grand Ave.
According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, the victim reported he was approached by a possible red 2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer with lower tan trim. The vehicle had a dent on the driver’s side rear door and scratches down the driver’s side.
The driver and only occupant, a black male suspect, approximately 40 to 50 years old, reportedly brandished an unknown handgun and ordered the victim into his vehicle. The suspect then drove the vehicle and parked in the area south of the city. According to St. Mary’s Police, the victim was able to escape from the suspect and ran to a nearby home for assistance. The suspect fled in an unknown direction.
The suspect is described as about 5’4″ tall with a medium build, long hair and no facial hair, with a devil or demon tatoo on his right forearm. The suspect was wearing a black coat, black pants and a red bandana around his neck.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact St. Mary’s Police or the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.
