Update: Attempted Abduction in Cannon Falls Did Not Happen

Cannon Falls Police Chief Jeffrey McCormick issued another news release concerning the previously reported attempted abduction of a 10-year-old girl in a Cannon Falls park.

In the news release, the chief states, "The Cannon Falls Police Department has found that the reported attempted abduction from October 9 in Hannah's Bend Park did not occur. While conducting a subsequent interview, the victim later acknowledged that the incident had not occurred as reported and there was no abduction attempt."

The news release goes on to say, "The incident reported on Sunday was an assault; during a follow-up interview, investigators learned it was an attempted abduction, late afternoon Monday. On Tuesday morning the investigation determined that the public's assistance was needed. A press release was issued to the media to assist the Cannon Falls Police Department in seeking the public's help."

McCormick goes on to thank those who came forward and noted there were many people offering tips and expressing concern about the alleged incident.

He also thanked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office for their assistance.

McCormick says in the news release, "This investigation is now closed. As we breathe a sigh of relief, the Cannon Falls Police Department would like to encourage parents to capitalize on this opportunity to discuss and/or develop a safety plan with their children. There was a tremendous outpouring of compassion from our community, and the Cannon Falls Police Department asks people to not lose that compassion. It's important to remember that there is still a 10-year-old girl that we want to avoid having traumatized further because of what happened."