Neenah Police: Washington Park incident a misunderstanding, officials recall safety talks

NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – After officials in Neenah investigated a “suspicious situation” in Washington Park on Wednesday, it was determined that the incident was a misunderstanding.

According to Neenah police, a mother reported to police around 3:10 p.m. on June 12 that she believed another woman was trying to kidnap her daughter at Washington Park on West Winneconne Avenue.

The mother explained to officers that her daughter was playing in the park when a young woman in her early 20s caught her attention because she was reportedly interacting with other children and did not appear to have any children of her own.

Moments later, the mother saw her daughter with the woman near a vehicle and called out to her daughter to come back to her, which she did. The young woman and an older driver then left the park.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the young woman was actually a deaf teenage girl. The older woman in the vehicle was reportedly a family friend who is also deaf.

Officers say the teen believed she had befriended the child and wanted to better communicate with him by using a phone in the vehicle. After seeing the upset mother, they reportedly went to get an interpreter to help clarify the situation.

It was found that they returned to the park with an interpreter, but mother and child had already left.

This incident was not an abduction or kidnapping, but a misunderstanding. The investigation worked with both parties to resolve the situation. This is a good time to ask families to have open conversations with their children about safety and awareness. The City of Neenah parks are a valuable resource and provide many opportunities for families. They continue to strengthen our community, promote wellness, and provide amazing recreational experiences.

Neenah Police Department

No further information was provided.