TBI Says Springfield Abduction Was a Prank
SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) — In a story that would give anyone intellectual whiplash, what initially appeared to be a serious incident that sparked concern across the community has now been labeled a prank by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Earlier this week, Smokey Barn News reported on an alleged abduction that took place Saturday night in the parking lot of 2008 Memorial Boulevard in Springfield, near Goodwill. The report, which prompted a flood of inquiries from the public, suggested that a young female may have been taken by individuals in a van, possibly with other vehicles involved.
Now, the TBI has issued an update, stating that after a thorough investigation, they have determined the incident was a prank. According to Josh DeVine of the TBI, “The initial information pointed to something serious that needed to be fully investigated.- our agents tracked down the details thoroughly alongside our partners at HSI, the Clifton Police Department, and the office of the 19th Judicial District Attorney General and determined the incident was a prank.”
TBI agents, working alongside the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Clifton Police Department, and the office of the 19th Judicial District Attorney General, were able to track down the details and confirm the incident was not a crime.
“We’re thankful there’s no immediate threat to the public,” DeVine said. “We’re also grateful for the bystanders who called 911 to report what they saw. They did exactly the right thing and it’s why we always say, ‘If you see something, say something.’ We’re grateful – this time – it wasn’t a crime.”
Initially, Springfield Police stated that no foul play was suspected and that no reports of anyone missing had been received. It would appear that the Springfield Police Department got it right. Still, the TBI was requested to investigate by District Attorney General Robert Nash.
The TBI also reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including those near Papa John’s and Elmo’s. At the time, no video or photographic evidence had surfaced capturing the event, and the investigation remained open.
Authorities have not released details about the individuals involved in the prank or any potential consequences. Smokey Barn News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Here’s the full statement from the TBI.
UPDATE: On Monday, we confirmed TBI agents were investigating a reported kidnapping on Memorial Boulevard in Springfield. Certainly, the public had significant concern as details emerged, and so did we. The initial information pointed to something serious that needed to be fully investigated.
We’re following up to let you know our agents tracked down the details thoroughly alongside our partners at HSI, the Clifton Police Department, and the office of the 19th Judicial District Attorney General and determined the incident was a prank. We’re thankful there’s no immediate threat to the public, and we’re also grateful for the bystanders who called 911 to report what they saw. They did exactly the right thing and it’s why we always say, ‘If you see something, say something.’ We’re grateful – this time – it wasn’t a crime. Regards, Josh DeVine.
