APD: Investigating Possible Attempted Kidnapping

ABILENE, TX — The Abilene Police Department is investigating an attempted kidnapping at Nelson Park.

According to KTXS, around 10:00 a.m. a babysitter called 9-1-1 and told dispatch she saw a Hispanic female approach a child at the Fort Imagination playground. She then observed the woman reach out her hand and then she said something to the child.

According to authorities, the child did not respond to the woman. The woman then left in a blue Buick LeSabre with a white male.

On Wednesday Chief Stan Standridge stated the “early investigation suggests there was never a kidnapping attempt."

The mother of the child, identified as Basilia Hester, took to social media to let people know about the incident.

Hester identified the woman in her post, but local media opted to redact her name and the name of the car owner as no one has been charged.
 
According to Hester, two other moms have reported similar kidnapping attempts.

Chief Standridge confirmed officers had spoken with the woman and she claimed it was a case of mistaken identity.

Standridge released the following statement online and clarified he was only aware of one incident.

“I am aware of many social media reports that allege a series of attempted kidnappings at our local parks.”

“Please know the following: There was an incident called into Dispatch this morning at 10 a.m. from a person at Fort Imagination.”

“The caller reported seeing a Hispanic female putting her hand out to a child. The child didn’t grab her hand. The female left with a male in a blue sedan. When officers arrived, both the calling party and the female and male she described were gone from the scene.”

“CID followed up and spoke to the woman involved. She provided an explanation (confused identify) that will be investigated more thoroughly.”

“I have heard of no other incidents, so I am not sure where such reports are coming from. 
I promise you that we will communicate fully once all facts are known."