Insufficient evidence found in alleged child abduction attempt in New Jersey
- An investigation was initiated after an alleged attempted abduction of an 8-year-old girl on March 19 in Berlin Township, New Jersey.
- Authorities concluded the investigation found insufficient evidence to support the girl's claims of an abduction attempt.
- The alleged incident sparked increased interest in self-defense classes for children in the local community.
On March 19, 2025, officials in Berlin Township, New Jersey, launched an investigation into a reported attempted abduction of an 8-year-old girl. The girl claimed that while walking to John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a man approached her from behind and attempted to kidnap her. In her defense, she reportedly stabbed the man in the face with a pencil, allowing her to escape unharmed. Following the incident, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office and local authorities conducted a weeklong investigation to assess the validity of the claims. Despite initial reports and community concerns, the authorities announced that there was insufficient evidence to support that an attempted child abduction occurred in the area. In a joint statement, Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay and Berlin Township Police Chief Louis Bordi confirmed that they found no credible threats related to this incident. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in the girl's account and insufficient evidence that corroborated an abduction attempt took place near Washington and Grove avenues where she claimed it happened. In response to the incident, local martial arts studios, particularly Rev It Up Sports & Fitness in Voorhees, New Jersey, experienced a surge in interest for self-defense classes. Master Dee Wilcox, a coach at the studio, emphasized the importance of self-defense training for children. She organized a free seminar to educate families on how to recognize potential dangers and how to respond effectively. The seminar quickly filled up, indicating a strong community desire to equip children with defensive skills. Authorities reassured the community of their commitment to child safety, providing updates on the investigation and their ongoing dedication to addressing threats to children's wellbeing. This situation highlights the importance of community awareness and preparedness amidst rising safety concerns, reinforcing the necessity for children to develop skills that promote confidence, awareness, and self-defense in potentially dangerous situations.