After investigating a claim that a man attempted to grab a child by the arm, and the child stabbed the man in the arm with a pen, Manhattan police determined the incident “did not occur as initially described.”
Manhattan police Chief Ryan Gulli said after reviewing video footage and witness statements, they determined the report was fabricated.
“We are grateful that no child was in danger and that the situation was ultimately resolved safely,” Manhattan Police Department wrote in a statement shared on Facebook. “We thank the community for their continued trust. The safety of our residents, especially our children, will always be our top priority.”
Earlier, police reported receiving a call at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday about two juveniles who had just exited their school bus and were playing outside near First Street and Brynn Avenue.
A man approached them and grabbed one of the children by the arm, police said. Fearing for his safety, the child used a pen to stab the man in the left arm, police said.
Police said they reviewed video footage and investigated potential suspects before determining the story had been fabricated.
“Thank you to our community for you patience and support as we worked to ensure an accurate and responsible resolution,” the Police Department wrote.
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