An abduction case has revealed to be a case of misunderstanding, after police cancelled their search for a 16-year-old Edmonton boy.
The teen was ripped from a bench at a bus stop by two men, and pulled into a van that screamed to a halt on 82 Avenue and 87 Street on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Horrified witnesses contacted police. Officers rushed to the area and publicly released information in hopes of tracking down the suspects.
However, those involved contacted EPS after seeing their prank portrayed as an alleged kidnapping on TV. They told cops they were merely joking around, as a playful way to give their friend a lift.
“We appreciate the media component of this,” said Dean Parthenis, EPS Media Relations Unit. “They help get the word out quickly, that helps the situation.”
He added every officer he spoke to said the situation ended well, and that concerned citizens did the right thing because of the suspicious nature of the event. No charges have been laid. Parthenis added the young men involved were apologetic, and the incident was “a good lesson learned.”
