Memphis police close investigation on attempted kidnapping of 11-year-old

UPDATE (1/9/2024): Police say no evidence could be found to support the 11-year-old’s claim, and the investigation has been closed. The child will not be charged with making a false report.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Memphis police are investigating an alleged attempted kidnapping of an 11-year-old Berclair girl.

That young girl, who we will not identify, said she escaped by kicking her way to freedom.

According to her, it all happened Saturday just before noon. She and three friends decided to walk to a park near South Mendenhall and White Station Roads, but she said that as they walked home, a man in a newer model black Ford F 150 started to follow them.

“It was going really slow and kind of staying like behind me and my other friend. My friend had ran to go catch up with her other friends, and then I fell in the mud,” said the victim.

According to a police report, the girl said she tried to get away and turned onto Gower Street from White Station Road. While running, she says she fell in the road.

“I had fell in the mud and the dude came up behind me, and he had grabbed me and put a rag over my face and dragged me into his truck and then he started driving off,” said the 11-year-old victim.

According to the girl, the alleged attacker inappropriately touched her and drove her around for five minutes before she was able to kick him and escape through the passenger door.

Her grandmother said she is proud of how brave her granddaughter was in the scary moment.

“Very proud, she wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t. This guy had no intentions of letting her go,” said Lydia Belton.

Memphis police say they’re investigating the case, but at this time have not released any additional information.

The 11-year-old describes her attacker as being 6 feet tall, skinny, wearing latex gloves, a medical mask, a black beanie, sweatpants and a navy blue shirt.

If you can provide any information or video, call Memphis police at 901-545-COPS.

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