Police investigating attempted abduction from Roxbury elementary school

Police are investigating the attempted abduction of a child from a Roxbury elementary school on Thursday.

Officers responded to the Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School just before 10:00 a.m. for the reported attempted abduction of a child.

The suspect fled in a vehicle before officers arrived, Boston police say.

Parents picking up their kids at Emerson Elementary were petrified by the news.

“It’s very scary to hear,” said one parent. “How did they get so close to a student?”

Another added, “I find it surprising. It was scary because I never heard of something like that happening here. But, I’m glad they saw what was happening and stopped it right on time.”

Those same parents said they would use this opportunity as a learning experience for their kids about “stranger danger.”

In an email obtained by Boston 25, the school’s principal said:

“This morning, an individual unknown to the school community attempted to engage with a student who was in the recess yard. Students were being supervised and were safely led back into the building.

School staff notified BPS Safety Services and Boston Police of the matter. This incident is currently under active Boston Police investigation.

As you know, the Dudley Street Neighborhood School focuses on fostering a safe environment for every member of our community. We have consistent safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff."

Parents told Boston 25 they hope to see more security measures taken moving forward.

No arrests have been made.

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