Arrest in connection with a possible child abduction in Wautoma

WEDNESDAY, 05.06.2024, 21:50

WAUTOMA, Wis. (WFRV) – Wautoma Police have taken a man into custody following an attempted child abduction incident in Bird Creek Park.

Police identified Shiloe Viau, who is currently on probation in Columbia County, as the suspect. Officers found Viau on State Highway 21/73 in Wautoma wearing the same clothing described by witnesses.

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Viau admitted to playing with unknown children in the park, but denied any intent to kidnap them. He was arrested and taken to the Waushara County Jail.

No further details were provided.

Attempted child abduction incident at Bird Creek Park in Wautoma

WEDNESDAY, 05.06.2024, 18:50

WAUTOMA, Wis. (WFRV) – Several children playing at Bird Creek Park in Wautoma nearly became victims of a child abduction Wednesday afternoon.

According to Wautoma Police, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., three to four children were approached by an adult man while playing in Bird Creek Park.

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The suspect talked to the children for about 20 minutes and showed them music videos on his cellphone. The suspect allegedly told the children he wanted to “take them to heaven.”

The suspect then attempted to lead one of the boys into a nearby wooded area. An adult nearby called out to the child and the suspect fled on foot along the edge of the woods to the north.

Wautoma police arrived at the scene with canine units but were unable to locate the suspect.

No child was physically injured in this nearly life-threatening incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, between the ages of 25 and 35, with stubble, short dark blonde hair, thick eyebrows, blue eyes and a slim build. He was last seen wearing brown work boots, brown cargo pants and a white t-shirt.

Wautoma Police officers are currently searching the area for witnesses or video footage of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency at 920-787-3321.

“We will keep you updated on any developments or identification of a suspect,” Wautoma police said on their social media page. “We urge all parents/guardians not to allow their children to play unsupervised in public places until a suspect is located.”

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Additionally, Wautoma Police say this warning will also apply to all summer school and summer camp bus stops. Extra patrols will be deployed at the parks until further notice.

No further details were provided.

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