Danvers Police: 'No Threat Of Attempted Abduction'

DANVERS, MA — Danvers police said there "was no threat of an attempted abduction" at the Great Oak Elementary School Tuesday. Police issued a statement Thursday that offered few new details but suggested the department had closed its investigation into the incident.

"We are grateful for the prompt notification of this incident and our partnership with our schools in assuring the safety of all students," the statement said.

In a note to parents following the incident Tuesday, Principal Martha Jancaitis said police were investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle near the school when students were dismissed Tuesday. A man driving the van tried to wave a student over to his school at dismissal time, then fled when he saw the boy's mother waiting nearby.

"Please have a conversation with your child(ren) about safety with strangers and the need to be aware of one's surroundings," Jancaitis wrote. "We will be increasing staff presence at dismissal, and continue to work with the police department to ensure everyone's safety."