Following through Investigation, Sheriff's Department Says Reported Child Abduction Appears Unfounded

Cumberland Co. Sheriff's Dept. PRESS RELEASE by Sgt. Gary Howard Public Information Officer

September 15, 2018

On September 15, 2018, at approximately 1:26 pm Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to South Cumberland Elementary School on a report of an abducted child where parents and students had gathered for a Jr. Jets and Jr. Panthers football game.   Conflicting reports from minors stated they saw a man grab a child and run into the wooded area behind the school.    Immediately a search was implemented on the ground and a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter later joined the search looking for any evidence that would suggest an abduction had occurred. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Investigators interviewed several people that were present at the event as well as reviewed the school surveillance video.

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The game was suspended and several announcements were made to those attending to come forward if they knew of a missing a child and no child was reported missing.   Law enforcement officers remained on the premises until everyone had left to ensure no child was missing.  After a thorough search and investigation, there appeared to be no credible evidence to suggest an abduction had occurred or that any child was in danger.

Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County Emergency Management Director, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Cumberland County Schools Director of Emergency Management and Security all assisted the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.