Buffalo Police say a man questioned Tuesday for possibly attempting to abduct two 13-year-old boys Monday is not being charged with a crime. Buffalo Police held a news conference late Tuesday morning on the latest incident, which occurred at Genesee Street and Bailey Avenue.
The two boys say they were approached by a black male and black female in a van on Monday and asked to get inside. There have been four similar incidents in recent weeks outside city schools involving a couple in a white or tan Lexus sedan.
Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda says the suspect from the van approached a police officer Monday and said there has been a mistake. In a Niagara Square news conference late Tuesday morning, Derenda said police were questioning that suspect to see if the incidents are linked.
"The detectives are speaking with him and we're going to sort out all of the details. It may or may not be connected. At this point, we're not ready to say," said Derenda.
Late in the day Tuesday, a city spokesman issued a statement, saying that after consulting with the Erie County District Attorney's office, the individual questioned is not being charged "at this time."
The Buffalo School District has issued letters to parents alerting them of the situation. Police patrols have been beefed up outside city schools. Anyone with information on the attempted abductions is asked to call or text the city's confidential TIPCALL line at 847-2255.
