What Happens To Boy Who Made Up Manhattan Abduction Attempt: Chief Speaks Out

MANHATTAN, IL — Minutes after a social media alert from Manhattan police, the community was panicked.

A report of an attempted abduction, a boy who fought back, and the hunt for a suspect.

The result: Parents frightened, police mobilized, social media exploding with praise for the boy, applause for police, and calls for reassurances of safety. A tightknit community issuing a figurative battle cry to protect its young.

Eight officers and two detectives kicked into high gear, poring over video surveillance footage and witness statements. Police issued updates as they explored a report of a male suspect pushing an empty stroller, then again as they ruled him out. More help came from other agencies—Manhattan Fire Protection District and Manhattan Public Works, as well as police from Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort and the Will County Sheriff's Office. Some issued notifications and safety alerts, others looked into possibly similar reports in their own jurisdictions. Public Works employees were more eyes in the community, aiding in the search.

"100 percent, all hands on deck," Gulli told Patch Monday, days after the incident.

Then, within hours of alerting the community, Manhattan police called the whole thing off.

According to police, it was all a lie—a real-life depiction of Aesop's "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." A fabricated story drawn up by the minds of a "victim" and "witness"—two boys in elementary school.

"After a thorough and timely investigation, the Manhattan Police Department has determined that the reported incident did not occur as initially described," Gulli said in an update via social media. "Officers carefully reviewed all available evidence, including witness statements and video surveillance, to reach this conclusion.

"We are grateful that no child was in danger and that the situation was ultimately resolved safely. Manhattan Police Department remain committed to responding to all reports with diligence and care, and we thank the community for their continued trust. The safety of our residents, especially our children, will always be our top priority. Thank you to our community for your patience and support as we worked to ensure an accurate and responsible resolution."

People immediately demanded more. If it hadn't happened as first said, what had happened, and how?

"The community is going to need more information than what this vague update provides," one commenter wrote. "Can you please let us know how you came to that conclusion, what events actually took place, and anything else relevant..."

"So what did happen then?" another asked. "Can't scare everyone and then say 'just kidding!'"

Minutes after the update, Patch contacted Gulli to clarify if the report had been fabricated in full, or if some version of the incident had occurred. Gulli swiftly stated it had all been contrived by the juveniles who reported it.

When that information was relayed to the community, still came the calls for accountability—this time, of the kids and their parents.

"I truly hope those kids are held accountable for their actions," one wrote. "It is not a joke to cry wolf with such a terrible allegation."

"Hopefully they are held accountable for this and scaring every parent in the area!!!" another said. "What a sick joke!"

In an update Monday, Gulli said no police action will be taken against the minors involved—but cautions others that that might not always be the case.

"While the individuals responsible have been identified, due to their ages, no criminal charges will be pursued at this time," Gulli told Patch.

"While no legal action is being taken in this instance, we do not wish to minimize the seriousness of filing a false police report.

"Filing a false report is a criminal offense that can carry significant consequences, including hefty fines and potential jail time. Such actions divert critical resources away from real emergencies and pose a risk to public safety. ...

"If the kid was 13 or above, he’s getting charged."

Investigating the claim "required the involvement of multiple jurisdictions and considerable resources, placing a financial and logistical burden on our agencies and, by extension, the taxpayers we serve.

"... We sincerely hope that through constructive parenting and positive guidance from all parties involved, similar incidents can be prevented in the future."

Some officers received overtime pay, Gulli said, to accommodate the need for more resources during the investigation.

"There is no amount that we won’t spend to protect the lives of our children and citizens," Gulli said.

"The cost isn’t important because we always want to protect human life, but that’s the seriousness in filing a false report. It is a factor."

The children's parents were "sympathetic, and they apologized," Gulli said.

"They thanked us for our investigation, our diligence—and then we left it in their hands."

The incident, though, proved to Gulli that his department is trained well and geared to deploy effectively in any real and similar incident.

"It proved that we knew what we had to do."