Investigators: Middletown kidnap report false

Lake County sheriff’s investigators have determined that a reported March 23 attempted kidnapping outside of a Middletown church did not occur.

Sheriff’s officials came to the conclusion following an intensive investigation that included reviewing surveillance video and interviewing area businesses and residents.

The 12-year-old girl who reported the crime said she was approached by a man while sitting on the steps of the Middletown Methodist Church waiting for her mother to pick her up.

She told authorities he first asked if she needed a ride and sat down on the steps next to her when she declined. The girl said he then tried to pull her to her feet but she kicked him in the shin and he left.

Sheriff’s officials did not specify what led to their conclusion that the attempted kidnapping report was false.