Lawmen: Kidnap story a hoax

90-minute search after girl's report included dogs, helicopters

A juvenile female reported that someone attempted to abduct her Wednesday morning while she was home sick from school. After numerous law enforcement personnel were dispatched, including the Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter, the girl admitted she made up the story.
A juvenile female reported that someone attempted to abduct her Wednesday morning while she was home sick from school. After numerous law enforcement personnel were dispatched, including the Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter, the girl admitted she made up the story.

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A juvenile female apparently made up a story about being abducted Wednesday morning and caused several law enforcement agencies to spend about 90 minutes looking for a suspect.

Around 8:20 a.m., authorities were called to the 2700 block of Deardane, near Renns Lake, where a juvenile female, home sick from school, reported a male wearing a ski mask and a black coat tried to grab her when she went outside. She said he was armed with a large knife, but she managed to get away from him. She also said the man fled into a wooded area behind the home.

Members of the Cole County Sheriff's Department, Jefferson City Police Department and Missouri Highway Patrol converged on the scene. They searched the area on foot and used K-9 units along with a Highway Patrol helicopter to try to find the individual.

Just before 10 a.m., Sheriff Greg White announced to the media the girl had confessed that the story was made up.