Falls Church Police Still Investigating Abduction Attempt

City of Falls Church police are still investigating an of a 16-year-old girl.

Susan Finarelli, city spokeswoman, said police do not have any leads in the investigation as of now and there have been no additional reports of attempted abductions.

The girl alleged a man in a white van drove along side her on Haycock Road near on Thursday. When the man allegedly exited his vehicle, the girl pretended to be on the phone and the man allegedly ran back to his vehicle and sped off.

Community Services Liaison Ofc. James Brooks said he encourages people to add the city’s police number, 703-241-5050, to their cell phones and report any suspicious activity they see in their neighborhoods.

"The young woman in this instance did the right thing,” Brooks said in a written statement Tuesday. “Going towards a public place like the high school in hopes of discouraging the suspect was a smart move. While she did no wrong by pretending to talk on her cell phone, dialing 9-1-1 is the best action to take in this type of situation. If a person feels they are in danger, or even just suspects something isn't quite right, the police department is there to help."

Brooks said people should take precautions and remain vigilant of their surroundings. Here are some tips Brooks said people should consider as more people are out during the summer:

• Pedestrians should avoid wearing headphones while out on foot. Although music is enjoyable, it makes it harder to detect any approaching threat to you or your belongings. Keep your eyes open and earphones out of your ears when traveling in the car, on Metro trains and buses, and any other mode of transportation as well.
• Reading the paper or listening to music while commuting reduces your personal awareness, and criminals are watching for those opportunities.
• Be mindful that while on vacation, if you appear to be lost and/or confused with directions or engrossed in reading a map — that creates an opportunity for criminals to take advantage of you. Be particularly watchful of your surroundings when you are out of town or visiting new locations.