Update: Police Say Student Fabricated Story

Update, Wednesday

On Tuesday, a Lake Street School student reported to police that someone tried to grab him and force him into a car while he was walking home from school.

In response to this report, Vernon police launched an extensive investigation. Police spoke to dozens of residents, parents, and motorists who were in the immediate vicinity at the time of the alleged incident. Police also reviewed video surveillance footage from the area. The response and investigation was coordinated closely with school officials.

During this investigation, police were not able to locate anyone who could corroborate the child’s account of events.

The child was re-interviewed by a detective on Wednesday and subsequently admitted that he had fabricated the story.

Police are no longer searching for any suspect related to this incident and there is no danger to the public. The involved child is only being identified as an elementary school student in accordance with laws protecting the identity of juveniles.

No further updates are planned on this investigation.

Original Story, Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Vernon Police Department received a report that a student walking home from Lake Street School was approached by a stranger in a vehicle between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.

This stranger allegedly got out of his vehicle and grabbed the student near the intersection of Lake Street and Tunnel Road. The student was able to get away and run to safety and was not injured.

The involved vehicle is described as a red, four door car and was coming from the direction of Lake Street School toward the intersection of Lake Street and Tunnel Road. The vehicle reportedly crossed the other lane of traffic to approach the child. No further description or details about the subject who approached the student are available for release at this time. The student is only being identified as an elementary school student.

The area where this incident occurred is in close proximity to the school and there was vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area at the time.

The matter is being investigated by detectives who are working with school officials. Police are working with school administration to have an increased presence at Lake Street School during pickup and drop off times.

Police are canvassing the area and looking to speak with any witnesses who may have been in the area of Lake Street School or the intersection of Lake St and Tunnel Rd between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vernon Police at 860-872-9126. Callers may remain anonymous.