Elementary Student to Face Charges in Alleged Abduction Lie
JACKSON, Tenn. – Parents at Pope Elementary said they were shocked to hear a child had been abducted and forced into a car right on school grounds. Pope Elementary student Ava Jones said the rumors do not scare her, for her school has always been a safe place. “I feel like I’m safe at school because there’s a lot of adults who will try to protect me,” she said. Tuesday night Jackson Police received a disturbing phone call about a nine year old being abducted from Pope Elementary. The student said she had been forced into the back of a red Honda by a Hispanic man. Mechelle Perry said when she heard the news she could not believe it. Perry said teachers are always watching who is picking up the students. “If you look unfamiliar at all, they’re definitely watching,” Perry said. Jackson Police then launched a full investigation. Police said they interviewed staff, pulled surveillance video and even brought in a Hispanic man who owns the same color car, in for questioning. During the investigation investigators said they began to find inconsistencies in the girl’s story. The nine-year-old ultimately admitted she had lied about the abduction. For Pope Elementary parents, this close call has warned them to always be extra careful. “I just feel that mom’s are gonna worry. You’re just going to, but we’re confident Pope is very safe,” Perry said. The nine-year-old is not in custody because the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center will not house anyone under the age of 12. She will appear in court on her charge of filing a false police report. Superintendent Buddy White said at no time were any children in danger.
