Misunderstanding Sparks Attempted Kidnapping Accusation At Winnetka Park

WINNETKA, IL — A misunderstanding at a Winnetka park on Friday sparked accusations on social media about an attempted kidnapping, according to village officials.

According to authorities, the incident happened at Dwyer Park when a man arrived to pick up his grandchildren.

Winnetka Police Deputy Chief Dylan Majcher told Patch the man's grandchildren had been at the park earlier in the day before leaving. When the rain started, the grandfather drove to the park to look for them, but they were no longer there.

At Dwyer Park, the man pulled up near two children, believing they were his grandchildren, and asked them if they'd like a ride. According to a source close to the children, the man then drove around the block, got out of his car and yelled to the kids to get in the car a second time.

The two unrelated children at the park were not his grandchildren and believed the man was attempting to kidnap them and ran away, police told Patch.

"The Winnetka Police Department reviewed footage obtained of the incident with the man in question and determined that the man mistakenly yelled to children who were not his grandchildren," officials said.

After leaving the park, the grandfather learned about the misunderstanding and called 911 to explain the situation to law enforcement. There was no threat to public safety during the incident, authorities said.

"The parties involved acted responsibly by calling 9-1-1 to report their concerns," village officials said.