HSE parent reports abduction attempt

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) - Hamilton Southeastern parents have been put on alert after a mom says a woman tried to abduct her child after a ball game this week.

The principal at Hoosier Road Elementary sent a note to parents to be aware after the incident behind Hamilton Southeastern High School at Olio Park.

A parent says on Tuesday night, a woman stood behind a fence during a game and listened in to a babysitter’s conversation. She obtained enough information from listening in to tell the babysitter that she spoke to the child’s mother, who was “still at the retirement party” and the woman would take the child home.

“It doesn’t surprise me," said another parent, Carissa Pizarro. "People will do anything to kidnap and take a child.”

The woman’s statements were convincing enough that the babysitter thought the woman knew the family and really was there to pick up the child. But the sitter contacted the mother and found out it was a lie.

The girl wasn’t abducted. She didn’t hang around after the game by herself; instead, she waited until she saw someone she knew, the parent told the school. She was found near the concession stand. Police said she was never approached by the stranger.

Still, school officials are cautioning parents to be safe and aware. And Fishers Police are urging vigilance, as well.

“This is an unusual case and very concerning. That’s why we are taking it very seriously,” said Tom Weger Fishers Police officer.

Fishers Police described the woman as white, 30 to 40 years old and about 5-foot-5. She was thin and had blonde hair, worn in a pony tail.

Police have increased patrols in local parks and fields as a result of the incident. Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call 317-595-3300.

Fishers Police released a vague description of the woman. She is described as a white woman between the age of 30-40. She’s 5’5 with blonde hair.

The Fishers Hamilton Southeastern Youth Softball League sent out 8,000 filers to parents, detailing what happened. They have tightened the rules for supervision, including mandating that girls under 12 must have an escort if they are walking by themselves.

Investigators said they have several tips for parents:

• It helps when parents define who a stranger as a person a child does not know well.
• Parents should know where their children are and have addresses and phone numbers of those watching their children.
• Babysitters should have specific directions about when and who a child is allowed to go with.

“It’s something really hard to teach your kids; when people know your name, it makes them a little bit more trusting,” said Shannon Gilbert, a Fishers parent.