London police now say the alleged luring incident that prompted a warning for residents in an east end neighbourhood did not happen.
Eight-year-old Justin McGeorge had told police he was approached by a stranger in broad daylight on Saturday. He and his mother Holly McGeorge spoke with CTV News on Sunday afternoon.
Holly told CTV News “Justin was out on the sidewalk playing and a dark-coloured car pulled up...He basically started to talk to Justin first and then he actually offered Justin some candy. Then Justin said ‘No I'm not allowed to take candy from strangers.’ He then in turn took a $5 of his wallet and hung that out the car window and attempted to get Justin in the car with the money. “
But hours after the allegations were brought to the attention of the media, police released an update saying their investigation indicated "the attempt abduction did not occur."
The child's mother had been so distraught she said she would move the family out of town, "I'm worried about Justin because he doesn't even want to walk up the street to where his bus stop is now,” she says.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, London police say it is a good reminder that parents should take time to warn their children and help make them more street smart.
“This just reinforces safety planning with your children," says London police Const. Charlene Humble.
Neighbours in the area of Loggers Grove Road near Hamilton Road where the alleged incident occurred are also making sure their kids know what to do.
