'No Child Was In Danger': Manhattan Police Give Update On Reported Incident

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan police offered an update Wednesday night regarding an incident in which a child reportedly used a pen to stab a man who had grabbed him by the arm, saying the "incident did not occur as initially described."

Manhattan Police Chief Ryan Gulli told Patch the incident was fabricated, and did not occur.

In a statement Wednesday night, police said that "officers carefully reviewed all available evidence, including witness statements and video surveillance, to reach this conclusion." Police also said they are "grateful that no child was in danger and that the situation was ultimately resolved safely."

Earlier, police said they received a report that between 12 and 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, two children had just gotten off their school bus and were playing outside near First Street and Brynn Avenue when an unidentified man approached them and grabbed one of the children by the right arm. The report stated that the child then used the pen to stab the suspect in his left arm before the man left.

Police reviewed surveillance video and canvassed the neighborhood.

"We thank the community for their continued trust," police said. "The safety of our residents, especially our children, will always be our top priority."