Santa Maria Police Department unable to confirm attempted kidnapping at Tunnell Elementary
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Police Department released new information Thursday stating, that the nearly-week long investigation of the attempted kidnapping scare at Tunnell Elementary on the evening of August 22 cannot yet be confirmed as a crime.
"At this time, despite the comprehensive investigative efforts, SMPD detectives have been unable to substantiate any claims that a kidnapping attempt or any other crimes were committed during the incident. Importantly, there does not appear to be any related threat to the public," said Detective Bureau Supervisor, Lt. Daniel Rios.
SMPD and Santa Maria Bonita School District are working together to extensively investigate any threat to the community and on school campuses. The Incident was transferred to the Detective Bureau and was investigated as an attempted kidnapping although a crime has not yet been identified.
Investigators interviewed potential witnesses and involved parties numerous times, and completed a canvas search of further witnesses in the area. Lt. Rios said a "meticulous review of video surveillance footage from the area has been undertaken."
Lt. Rios said SMPD and SMBSD will continue to work collectively to keep a safe environment for all local schools in Santa Maria.
SMBSD has increased supervision at all of its campuses after the attempted kidnapping scare.
On Thursday, Aug. 22, after 5 p.m., a woman tried walking away with two children in front of Tunnell Elementary in Santa Maria. The children were not taken and spoke to law enforcement after the incident.
The relation of the woman to the children is still unknown and the incident is still under investigation by the Santa Maria Police Department.
Linda Rosa is a Santa Maria local resident and a mother of a four-year-old boy who also attends Tunnell Elementary.
Rosa says she received a message from the school informing parents of the incident on Parent Square.
“There was a message on Parents Square where it let us know of the incident, which I was really pleased that they did let us know right away," said Rosa.
Rosa says the incident was a wake-up call for her family to take extra precautions with her children.
"Pay attention. If you see something weird, don't just ignore it. Let someone know or call the police. And if we can be proactive about it, we can really save a lot of kids' lives" said Rosa.
Santa Maria Bonita School District's Public Information Officer Maggie White told Your News Channel, "SMBSD has also reminded our schools to encourage parents to talk with their children about strangers, telling a trusted adult about anything out of the ordinary, and sticking to a routine when going to and from school."
{Editor's Note} Your News Channel Reporter Christina Rodriguez covered this follow-up today with local mother Linda Rosa and, in an effort for full disclosure, is also a substitute teacher for the Santa Maria Bonita School District.
