Paris police investigate possible attempted abduction of 4-year-old while in yard

Paris police are investigating a suspicious incident involving a possible attempted abduction of a 4-year-old child.

LEX 18 spoke with a woman in Paris who asked to remain anonymous for her safety. She said her 4-year-old daughter experienced a scary close call Tuesday while playing in her yard.

She says a vehicle pulled up in front of the home, and the person inside watched the 4-year-old for nearly 30 minutes before eventually getting out of the vehicle, the mother said.

Once they saw the child’s grandmother, the woman said that they sprinted back to their vehicle and left quickly.

Paris Police Chief Mark Burden shared a statement regarding the situation and emphasized there is no immediate threat to the community confirmed beyond the incident.

“The Paris Police Department is currently investigating a reported suspicious incident involving a possible child abduction that occurred in our community. Currently, officers have responded and the incident remains under investigation…we also encourage residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. Early reporting can be critical in preventing crime and ensuring public safety.”

The department shared the following safety reminders for parents:

• Children should never approach or enter a vehicle with someone they do not know.
• Teach children to trust their instincts and run away, yell, or seek help if they feel unsafe.
• Encourage children to stay in groups when walking or playing outside.
• Remind children not to share personal information with strangers in person or online.
• Report suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately to law enforcement.

The mother said her daughter is traumatized.

“Her sleep’s being disrupted from it,” she said. “She’s having awful nights. She either can’t go to sleep or she wakes up screaming and we have to reassure her that she is safe where she is.”

The mother said she was willing to tell her story so that other parents remember to stay vigilant.

Credit: Annie Brown/LEX18