Paris police investigate attempted child abduction in residential area

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Paris police are investigating a suspicious incident involving a possible attempted abduction of a 4-year-old child that occurred Tuesday in a residential neighborhood, according to LEX 18 News.

The child was playing in her front yard while her grandmother supervised when a vehicle pulled up and the driver watched the girl for approximately 30 minutes before exiting the vehicle, according to the girl's mother, who requested anonymity for safety reasons. The driver retreated quickly to the vehicle and left after spotting the grandmother on the porch.

"They did not see my mom, because our porch has a post that you can't see anybody behind it if you're looking directly at our home. And I guess they thought that she was by herself," the mother told LEX 18.

Paris Police Chief Mark Burden said the department currently has no confirmed immediate threat to the community beyond the reported incident. "The Paris Police Department is currently investigating a reported suspicious incident involving a possible child abduction that occurred in our community," Burden stated. "Currently, officers have responded and the incident remains under investigation."

The incident has significantly impacted the child's well-being. "Her sleep's being disrupted from it," the mother said. "She's having awful nights. She either can't go to sleep or she wakes up screaming and we have to reassure her that she is safe where she is."

Paris Police urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity immediately. The department provided safety reminders for parents, including teaching children never to approach unfamiliar vehicles, to trust their instincts and seek help if they feel unsafe, to stay in groups when outside, and to avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Paris Police Department at 859-987-2100. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling the number and selecting option 3. The department indicated it will provide updates as more information becomes available.