Reported Fort Oglethorpe attempted abduction turns into false report

FORT OGLETHORPE — The Fort Oglethorpe Police Department (FOPD) is sharing information about an attempted abduction which turned out to be a false report.

They say responded to the Burger King at 831 Battlefield Parkway in reference to a reported attempted abduction on February 17, 2026.

They say prior to officers’ arrival, the suspect, described as a masked male driving a black panel van, had left the scene.

Officers then made contact with the complainant, obtained a statement, and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the suspect vehicle.

They say the initial report indicated that while taking trash to the store’s outside receptacle, a female employee was contacted by a masked male subject who attempted to get her to come over to his vehicle, causing her to fear for her safety.

The employee then fled back inside the business and notified management.

No physical contact occurred between the employee and the suspect, and no further interaction was reported at that time.

A report was filed, and extra patrol was established in the area in an effort to locate the described vehicle, according to the FOPD.

They say a follow-up investigation, including review of video surveillance footage, determined that the incident had been falsely reported to the complainant and did not occur.

The false report is being handled appropriately, according to the FOPD.