Insufficient Evidence Of Attempted Child Abduction Reported In Camden Co.

BERLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — One week after a child reported she was nearly abducted on her walk to school in Berlin Township, authorities said Wednesday that they could not confirm the claim.

An 8-year-old girl told police that a man tried to abduct her March 19 as she walked to John F. Kennedy Elementary School. She told authorities that she fought off the unknown suspect and ran to school.

After a weeklong investigation, there is "insufficient evidence" to corroborate that the incident occurred, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Investigators determined there is no credible threat to the community, says County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

"We will continue to take our duty to protect children seriously and to thoroughly investigate threats to their well-being across Camden County," MacAulay said.

The child told authorities that it happened on the morning of March 19 around Washington and Grove Avenues in Berlin Township.

Anyone with information can contact Det. William DeFoney of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office's Special Victims Unit at 856-952-7460 and Det. Sgt. Colin Kelbaugh of the Berlin Township Police Department at 856-767-5878, ext. 668. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.