Cops Retract Community Alert On Attempted Kidnapping

CHICAGO - Chicago police have retracted a community alert that indicated two juveniles near Morgan Park High School were approached by an attempted kidnapper after school Friday afternoon. An image of the then-suspect was shared, but an initial investigation by Area South detectives with the Chicago Police Department appears to indicate there was no criminal intent.

19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said Monday morning that the investigation revealed that a service in which drivers are called to pick up children from school was involved in this incident. The original alert indicated that the man told two children at the corner of Chelsea Place and Church Street that "You're mom told me to come pick you guys up."

In issuing the retraction, police said that the situation amounted to "a consensual pickup arranged by a family member."

Patch file photo / Tim Moran