"Attempted Abduction" Story was fabricated

City of Fernandina Beach Police Department Press Release

Submitted by James T. Hurley, Police Chief

A local girl, reportedly the target of an abduction attempt on Friday, recanted her story when faced with evidence produced by detectives working the case over the weekend.

On Friday, October 25th, a local 16 year old female reported that a white male in a blue vehicle was following her in the area of McGregor Avenue and Countess of Egmont Street. She claimed the driver asked her if she needed a ride and a short time later pulled next to her and began to exit his vehicle.  She claimed she then escaped by running into a nearby wooded area.

Patrol Officers and Detectives from the Fernandina Beach Police Department responded to the incident and began an investigation.

With evidence from a home surveillance system and through a follow up interview with the girl, it was determined that the entire incident had been fabricated.

The girl told detectives that she got into a dispute with a friend at Skate Park, left the area and began walking around to think.  Once she realized she was late getting home, she fabricated the story to avoid getting in trouble with her parents.

This story has been circulating on a few local Facebook pages as an attempted abduction.  Residents can rest assured that crucial information will always be reported promptly and will also be copied to our Facebook page at “Fernandina Beach Police Department.”  Residents active on Facebook should “Like” us to receive informational updates of this type.

October 29, 2013 5:31 p.m.