Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit are investigating a false attempted kidnapping case in Oakland Park.

According to investigators, at approximately 5:12 p.m., on Sunday, April 12, BSO deputies responded to an attempted kidnapping call near the 4100 block of Northwest 21st Avenue. On scene, deputies met with the guardian of an 11-year-old boy who stated an adult male attempted to kidnap him. According to the child, a male subject dressed in all black on a purple bike attempted to take the child after placing a hand around the child’s mouth.

Based on the juvenile’s initial account of the incident, his demeanor, and the level of details he provided, deputies found the child’s claims to be credible. The area was canvased, and a BOLO (Be-On-the-Look-Out) was distributed to surrounding agencies. Media was also immediately contacted given the serious nature of the crime.

Further investigation into the child’s claims revealed an attempted kidnapping did not occur. However, detectives said a male subject in the area had frighten the child, which may have caused him to hide and fabricate the incident.

Investigators continue to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Detectives want to remind the public of the seriousness of making a false report. Doing so is not only illegal, but it wastes valuable resources and diverts them from legitimate emergencies. Parents are urged to speak to their children about the seriousness of making a false report and the negative impact it can have on the community.