A reported abduction and release of a 14-year-old girl that put Port Moody parents and police on alert last week has turned out to be false.
Investigators said in a press release on Thursday that they wanted to ease the concerns of residents and school authorities and that there is no threat to the community.
"As a result of the subsequent police investigation… we have determined the reported abduction to be unfounded," said the Port Moody Police in a press release. "We are satisfied there is no existing or known threat to the safety of students as they travel to and from schools in our community."
Last week, residents were asked to be on the look out for a white Mercedes Sprinter van.
It was alleged at the time that three man had grabbed the girl in the 1300-block of David Avenue, drove around with her in the vehicle for 90 minutes, before releasing her unharmed in the 3000-block of Lougheed Highway near Westwood Street in Coquitlam. Detailed descriptions of the three suspects were provided to police.
Because of the nature of the incident, police are now saying that they cannot comment any further. However, the press release on Thursday noted that investigators would be consulting with Crown Counsel on the matter.
"Police are obligated to conduct full and vigorous investigations in response to reported threats to public safety, especially when they concern some of the most vulnerable persons in our community, such as children," Port Moody police said. "However, it is also essential the public is made aware when the reported threat no longer exists in order to reduce any potential anxiety or fear it may have caused."
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