Pocono News Section

Attempted Kidnapping in Schuylkill County

Attempted Kidnapping in Schuylkill County - Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:15PM EST

ASHLAND, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- Police are investigating a child-abduction attempt Saturday. Police say two men in a blue Ford pick-up truck tried to lure two young boys into their vehicle. Now police are urging parents to be on guard and on the lookout for anyone suspicious.
The area of 22nd and Spruce Streets in Ashland is a quiet neighborhood. Everyone knows one another, but Saturday afternoon homeowners saw a lot of unusual activity.

Claire Bradley said, “My helper said that when she came back to the house, that she saw a sheriff downtown and she was wondering what was going on."

Police say two men tried to lure two young boys into an older model -- blue -- Ford pick-up truck in this neighborhood. Police say the vehicle is in poor condition, with rusty fenders and a damaged tailgate. Jackie Bainbridge said, “I can't believe it. It’s such a small town. Everybody knows everybody's business. You never think it would happen in Ashland ever."

As night fell over town, word about the attempted luring began to spread. Ben Pogash says, “It’s scary. I don't have kids of my own, but if I did, I'd be very, very mad."

The two boys were not hurt. They didn't fall victim to strangers. ”The world's a crazy world. Trust no one and if you do trust them, check them twice," says Pogash.

Neighbors say they'll be keeping an extra eye out to make sure all kids are safe. “It’s a shame. Poor young mothers, they have to have eyes in the back of their heads," added Bradley.

Police say the driver of the truck has shaggy dirty blonde shoulder length hair. Anyone who saw anything suspicious is urged to call Ashland Police at 875-2600.