ROCKINGHAM — Claims of attempted abductions of women by a group of men have not been validated, according to Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons.
The sheriff issued a statement Tuesday to “address concerns being posted on social media outlets and calls coming into law enforcement with concerns of a group of males attempting to abduct individuals in Richmond County.”
“The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, as of Tuesday at noon, has not received any official reports being made of anyone being abducted or attempted to be abducted,” Clemmons said in a statement. “We have been following a number of posts on Facebook where citizens have made reference to it occurring or potentially taken place, but we have not received any reports.”
A Facebook search shows posts dating back to June describing similar alleged incidents around the country where a group of men stare at and follow women, sometimes talking to them.
No posts regarding the Rockingham Walmart could be found, but have been seen in recent months.
For anyone who witnesses a situation that seems suspicious, Clemmons encourages them to contact the local law enforcement agency. He also asks witnesses to get a description of the suspect or suspects’ height, weight, gender, race as well as a description of their vehicle and the direction it was last seen travelling.
If it’s safe to do so, he added, witnesses are encouraged to take a photo of the suspect(s) and vehicle and take down the license plate number.
“We do ask that if you witness these type incidents that you do not put yourself in harm’s way, but get as much information and details as possible while maintaining your own safety and report it immediately,” Clemmons said.
