Richlands, VA (WOAY)- The Richlands Police Department is responding to growing concern over a social media post alleging an attempted abduction at a local car wash on Friday, August 22.
The post claimed a Hispanic man tried to abduct a woman and steal her phone, and that a second suspect might have been involved.
Police say they immediately launched an investigation after receiving a 911 call, but surveillance footage from the scene showed no signs of assault, theft, or a second suspect.
Authorities report the woman remained at the car wash and didn’t call 911 until about 30 minutes later, despite being close to the police department.
Investigators further stated the woman’s story during an official interview did not match the claims made online, and there is no evidence supporting the accusation of an attempted abduction.
Richland’s Chief of Police urges the community not to spread fear or make assumptions based on ethnicity, and emphasizes there’s no indication this incident involved sex trafficking.
The department is still working to speak with the man involved and will release updates as the investigation continues.
