VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach Police are now not sure if an attempted abduction of a 13-year-old girl actually happened.
In a now-deleted posting from Virginia Beach Crime Solvers, a man reportedly drove up to a bus stop on the afternoon of January 28 at Larkwood Drive and Larkwood Court and tried offering the teenage girl a ride in his truck.
Police said the man reportedly told the girl, “your father sent me to pick you up," which wasn't true.
On Feb. 1, the Virginia Beach Police Department said they'd found the vehicle they believed was involved in the abduction attempt and that neighbors along Larkwood Drive should "feel at ease" with the advancements officers made in the investigation.
But a day later, investigators told 13News Now the vehicle description is not accurate and that a truck seen in security video is "not associated with this case in any way" and that the driver is not a suspect and "in no way involved in this case."
Police said they've so far been unable "to determine if this incident actually occurred" and interviews are still being conducted.
Despite the call for calm and uncertainty if the attempted abduction even took place, some neighbors said they're keeping an eye out.
Cathy Kohler said the neighborhood along Larkwood Drive she calls home has been quiet and peaceful for the past 30 years, until an incident like this occurred.
"Lived here 30 years and raised four children here... and it's never happened before," said Kohler.
Kohler said after someone reported the incident to police, she saw a few officers patrolling the area to keep everyone safe. She said her family is going to keep a close eye on the neighbors to make sure others feel protected.
"They know the bus stops, so that's a little spooky," said Kohler. "Everybody is aware, so that's the good thing. We all have each other's backs, so it's unlikely this will happen again."
Virginia Beach Police Officer Kevin Stephenson said it's always disturbing to hear about these incidents in his precinct. However, there are ways to help your kids stay safe in these situations.
"What do you do if a stranger comes and grabs you? You bite, you kick, you run, you scream. It's perfect when they're younger because now they're learning. If your kid had a name tag on a book bag or their persons, you know, put that away," said Stephenson. "In today's society, it would be difficult for any parent to chaperone their kid, so we suggest you have your kid walk in groups, so they're not singled out."
If you know anything that can help police, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Author's Note: The video below is on file from a separate story that aired on Aug. 31, 2021. The Crime Suppression Squad works on prevention efforts.
