Abduction Attempt Downgraded To Suspicious Event In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church Police have reclassified an attempted abduction of a juvenile as a suspicious event. The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Aldi, 133 Hillwood Avenue.

Police say the man told a juvenile to leave with him outside the store. The suspect fled when the juvenile's mother returned. No use of force was reported.

Falls Church Police released the following update:

While this incident is suspicious in nature and police would still like to speak with the individual, officers have determined there was no criminal act and doesn't meet the criteria for attempted abduction. However, this incident serves as an example of the importance of speaking to your children about their personal safety and what to do when approached by a stranger. Parents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to police.

Police received a report of the incident on Dec. 12. The individual is described as a black man, about 6 foot tall with a medium build and wearing a gray hooded jacket with black sleeves, light blue jeans and white sneakers. He was carrying an umbrella and possibly wearing a baseball hat. High-quality images could be available at a later time.

Anyone with information can call Falls Church Police at 703-248-5053.