JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The Sheriff’s Office said a attempted abduction reported in early September was unfounded, finding the 9-year-old boy’s account of the story was because of “a miscommunication” between him and the driver of a white van in front of the boy’s home.
Original story below:
The man suspected of trying to abduct children in Jefferson County Friday has been located and identified, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the 8600 block of West Progress Place about 5:30 p.m. Friday. The area is just southwest of West Belleview Avenue and South Wadsworth Boulevard.
The sheriff’s office notified the public of the incident Sunday afternoon via Twitter.
The sheriff’s office says the father of a 9-year-old witnessed a white work van stop and approach some children on the street in front of some houses.
The 9-year-old reported the male driver of the van mumbled something and then said, “Get in.”
Unsure of what the man said, the Parton asked the driver to repeat himself.
The man reportedly said, “Get in the van.”
“I thought he was probably going to maybe abuse me, or kill me possibly. But we were all really scared,” Parton said.
The children did not get into the van and the man drove away.
“I’m happy that we have the police on this. I’m glad that I wasn’t taken away from my family,” Parton said.
His mother, Jennifer Parton, said they moved into the neighborhood because it is family-oriented and safe.
“[I’m] grateful that nothing did happen. Sometimes, you don’t get that second chance. And I get to hug my babies tonight,” she said.
The sheriff’s office asked the public for help finding the white cargo van.
At 5:45 p.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office said the van and the driver had been located. Authorities have identified the driver, but his name has not been released.
“The investigation will be ongoing to determine whether a crime was committed or not,” the sheriff’s office said via Twitter.