UPDATE: Troopers, Red Hook and Rhinebeck Police investigating possible attempted abductions

UPDATE: January 31, 2020:

Troopers have concluded ”there was no criminality involved,” and reports of an attempted abduction in Rhinebeck “was merely a matter of mistaken identity with coincidental physical descriptors in common with the town of Red Hook incident.”

An investigation is still ongoing in the incident in Red Hook.

On January 29, 2020, The Red Hook Police Department, the New York State Police and the Rhinebeck Police announced the investigation of several suspicious incidents in both Rhinebeck and Red Hook.

According to the state police, “on two separate occasions in each town a man described as older, short in stature, with gray facial hair, has had suspicious contact with children. One witness believes the subject was operating a blue pickup truck, possibly a Chevrolet.

“No crimes have been committed, but information regarding the possible identity of this man is wanted for the purpose of interviewing the subject.”

On January 13, 2020, The Red Hook Police Department launched an investigation after the report of an attempted abduction on East Market Street in the Village of Red Hook at approximately 5:48 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020.

According to Red Hook Police, the 12-year-old victim reported that he was approached by a shorter white male, gray facial hair and possibly gray hair. Victim stated that the suspect was driving a blue Chevy pick up truck, possibly a four door. The victim stated that he was walking Westbound into the Village of Red Hook on East Market Street when the male pulled up next to him stating "Hi, I know your father." When the the victim did not respond the suspect exited his vehicle and attempted to approach the victim. When the victim saw him approaching he fled the area. The suspect left the area headed East on Route 199.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or location of the individual described is asked to contact the Red Hook Police Department at 845-758-0060, the New York State Police at 845-677-7300 or the Rhinebeck Police Department at 845-876-8181.

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