Investigators Conclude that No Abduction Occurred at Grand Canyon National Park

Date: July 20, 2009
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. -- The investigation into the reported abduction of a woman from the Mohave Apartments housing area of Grand Canyon National Park came to an end this weekend when special agents with the Investigative Services Branch interviewed several local residents who admitted they were the cause of the report. 

At approximately 7:50 p.m. on the evening of July 15, rangers responded to the Mohave Apartments to investigate the report of an individual being pushed into the trunk of a white passenger car. Rangers immediately set up a containment area, establishing check points at all of the major access and egress points to the village, and canvassed the area where the abduction was reported to have occurred.  Additionally, a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was distributed to local law enforcement agencies and rangers began searching for the vehicle in Grand Canyon Village and in the community of Tusayan.  Additional patrols were scheduled and a nationwide broadcast was made to law enforcement agencies describing the incident.  A 24-hour tip line was established; and the public was encouraged to call in if they had information.

On Sunday, July 19, several local residents were interviewed by investigators acting on a tip called in to the tip line.  When interviewed, the residents stated that they were at the Mohave Apartments at approximately 7:45 p.m. on July 15 in a white passenger vehicle and that there was an individual in the trunk of their car.  The person in the trunk opened it several times while the vehicle was driving though the apartment complex, an action investigators believe was interpreted as someone in the trunk trying to escape.  Additionally, the person in the trunk attempted to startle a female acquaintance by popping out of the trunk.  Investigators believe this action was interpreted by witnesses as some kind of altercation. 

Multiple members of the group stated they knew they were the cause of the abduction report, but were afraid to come forward for fear of getting into trouble.  Criminal charges may be pending through the United States Attorney’s Office.

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