Middletown >> An attempted kidnapping on the steps of a church reported in late March never occurred according to officials.
A 12-year-old girl informed law enforcement officers she fought off a man who tried to take her by force while she was waiting for her mother on March 23 outside of the Middletown Methodist Church. In initial reports the suspect was described as a short, white man in his 50s with a stocky build. He was bald with no facial hair and was last seen wearing a black jacket and black cowboy boots.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies searched the area for the suspect to no avail, Lt. Steve Brooks stated in a media release sent Friday. Detectives then canvassed the area in an attempt to find surveillance footage of the suspect from surrounding businesses or homeowners — again with no results.
A Lakeport police officer also met with the victim to make a sketch of the suspect. At some point, a second possible suspect was mentioned and was described as a white man in his 50s with long black hair and a puffy face. As the story was altered, authorities probed more into the story.
Upon further investigation, lead detective Kellie Joseph learned that the attempted abduction did not take place.
LCSO Sheriff Brian Martin thanked his deputies, the Lakeport Police Department and residents who provided assistance during the investigation.
