Bowie County sheriff says reported child abduction was unfounded

MAUD, Texas — A reported child abduction in Bowie County was determined to be unfounded after deputies investigated a 7-year-old boy’s account of escaping from a vehicle, according to the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded Wednesday to County Road 1102 in Maud after the child approached a house and reported that he had escaped from a vehicle that had picked him up down the road.

Bowie County sheriff's Lt. Patrick Wrinkle investigated the report, including questioning the child and his grandmother, who lived a short distance away, the sheriff’s office said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the child gave investigators two different accounts of what happened. Investigators also determined the child did not have permission to be outside or leave his residence.

The sheriff’s office said the reported abduction was believed to have been an attempt by the child to avoid punishment from his caregiver.

The investigation was prompted by reports circulating on social media. The sheriff’s office said it released information to dispel inaccurate reports suggesting there was a public safety threat in the area.

The sheriff’s office said there was no indication of an abductor posing a threat to the public based on the investigation.