Man accused of trying to abduct girl cleared of any wrongdoing

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The man seen in a photo at a school bus stop suspected of trying to abduct a child has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

On Wednesday, Wilmington Police released surveillance photo of a man waiting at the bus stop at 6th and Nixon Streets on January 9, who tried to pick up an eight year old girl.

Neither the bus driver or monitor recognized the man. The child did not know him either.

Police say after they asked for information from the public, a mother of another child who rides the same school bus came forward and explained to officers she asked her friend, the man pictured, to pick up her daughter from the bus, but failed to inform the child or the school he would be doing so.

Both girls have similar names, causing him to inadvertently ask for the wrong child.

Police say they’re grateful that this was not an attempted abduction, but wants to use this opportunity to remind the public of the importance of clear communication.

Police also commend the bus driver for not allowing the child off with someone she did not know. They say to please make sure your children and the proper authorities are aware of any changes to your normal routines.