NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County Detectives have determined a reported kidnapping was an unfounded report made by a 9-year-old.
Pasco County Detectives were investigating an unconfirmed report of a possible child kidnapping in New Port Richey.
They later determined that a 9-year-old girl told an 11-year-old friend that she saw a girl being kidnapped by a man who threw the girl's shirt out of the window as they passed. The 11-year-old reported it to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
PCSO is praising the 11-year-old for doing the right thing and reporting a potential crime.
Deputies are currently speaking with the 9-year-old who allegedly made up the story as well as her parents.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office said that the report of the possible kidnapping was in the area of Humboldt Ave. and Glenburn Ct. and would have occurred around 3:35 p.m. Tuesday.
PSCO originally said that the victim was described as a 7-9-year-old female. Approximately 4-feet-tall, between 60 and 80 pounds. She was believed to be wearing blue jeans, pink shirt, blue sandals, a pink headband, and has black and blonde hair.
It was reported that a male driving in a black or dark blue van with a white stripe got out and grabbed the girl.
Detectives shared a photo of a pink shirt that was reportedly left on the ground after the van allegedly left the scene.
"The information has not been confirmed as we are actively investigating these allegations," PCSO said in a press release. "We are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious related to this incident to call 911. Also, if there are any parents or guardians with children in the area to please confirm the location of your child."
