POINT PLEASANT BEACH – A social media post caused panic over an attempted abduction, but police said there’s no evidence of a crime.
Chief Joseph Michigan addressed a Facebook post about an alleged attempt to abduct a young woman outside of MacGregor’s Gym on Nov. 18 at around 10 a.m. The post has created a panic and has gone viral.
“Detectives from this agency have reviewed video surveillance cameras and spoke to several business owners in the area,” the chief said. “No video, witnesses or any other corroborating evidence was obtained to prove or disprove that this incident occurred.”
Any situation like this is investigated to the fullest extent, he said, and taken very seriously.
“Officers spoke with the complainant, and were only able to verify that an elderly woman attempted to pass out religious literature while she entered her vehicle,” he said. “We have no doubt that the woman felt uncomfortable and uneasy with a stranger walking up to her in an attempt to pass out literature. This practice from religious groups happens frequently in the downtown and boardwalk area, however there is no evidence to suggest that any other criminal intent was afoot.”
The police regularly patrol the downtown and boardwalk area, he added.
Still, anyone who feels uncomfortable, threatened, or suspicious is encouraged to call the police immediately at 732-892-0500.
