Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE

URGENT – UPDATE



In reference to: Rockton Police Investigate Attempted Child Abduction



As a result of a continuous investigation, the Rockton Police have announced that the allegations of the attempted child abduction were a hoax. Sgt. Hollinger said, “The officers worked tirelessly, along with the community, to ensure there was closure in this case”. Along with fielding numerous tips throughout the day, the Rockton Police and School Resource Officers within the Rockton School District and Hononegah School District worked with school administration to alert parents and students. Some students received a refresher course on child safety involving strangers before they left for the day. In addition, parents were notified, through the automated phone system that an alleged abduction attempt had occurred.

In the afternoon, Rockton Officers conducted an Informational Roadside Checkpoint on Nazarene Road where the event occurred. The checkpoint was initiated to gather information from motorists as to their recollection of any events from the previous day. “The checkpoint was ultimately what resolved this situation”, was according to Sgt. Hollinger. Through information gathered at the checkpoint, officers focused their attention on speaking again with the victim. In the end, the teenage victim from South Beloit provided a fictitious story to police. She was charged with felony Filing a False Police Report.

Sgt. Hollinger said, “Although this event proved to be false, the Rockton community still deserves praise for their efforts in taking steps to ensure that our children are safe”.



For further inquiry:

Please contact Sgt. Ron Dippel at (815)624-0933 after 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14th

Contact Sgt. Matt Hollinger at (815)624-0930 after 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15th