Southpark Mall Kidnapping Rumors Dispelled, No Reports Filed

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville Police had to take to social media to bring a rumor to justice over the weekend. Facebook was abuzz with speculation that there had been an abduction at Southpark Mall, apparently for the purpose of human trafficking. Problem is, the rumor appears to have no basis in fact.

Police received no reports of kidnappings or even attempted kidnappings at the mall. "In response to a post discovered on Facebook, South Park Mall has had no reports of kidnapping. The Mall is and continues to be a safe place shop," Police Chief Mark Fender told Patch in an email.

In their own social media post, Strongsville Police said that if the person spreading "these rumors" had any information they were interested in sharing with police, they were welcome to come forward. The department invited them to either call or come into the department.

As for residents and shoppers, police offered some sage, evergreen advice. "We recommend always being aware of your surroundings no matter who you are or where you are going. If anyone observes anything suspicious, please contact us," the department said.

The rumors may also have been inspired by a police training exercise that was conducted at the mall over the weekend. Police asked residents to avoid the property until about 10 a.m. on Sunday, when the training would finish.

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