Police: 9-year-old Peabody boy recants story of reported attempted abduction

PEABODY, Mass. — A 9-year-old boy who told police a man tried to abduct him near a school has now recanted his story, police said.

"We have closed the investigation based on the fact that the victim recanted the allegation," Peabody Police said Friday. "We appreciate the support of all who assisted us during this time."

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Officers responded to Swampscott Avenue near the Welch School in Peabody around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of an attempted abduction of a child.

The boy initially told police that he was walking with his scooter when a man approached him from behind, covered his mouth and dragged him to the Welch School parking lot. He told police he was able to break free and run home.

Police and a K9 unit searched the area but found nothing.

Cox Media Group