Update: 'Language Barrier' Sparked Fears Of Kidnapping Attempt In Capital Region, Police Say

Call it a massive misunderstanding.

A reported attempted kidnapping near the Crosswinds Apartments in Hudson on Thursday, Nov. 16 was a false alarm stemming from a language barrier, police said. — A reported attempted kidnapping near the Crosswinds Apartments in Hudson on Thursday, Nov. 16 was a false alarm stemming from a language barrier, police said.
Photo Credit: *Hudson Police Department/Google Maps street view*

11/19/2023 2:30 p.m.

Police now say an attempted kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy in the region actually has an innocent explanation.

In Columbia County, Hudson Police were called at around noon Thursday, Nov. 16, with reports of an attempted kidnapping near the Crosswinds Apartments on Harry Howard Boulevard.

Officers were initially told that a boy was walking along the road when a white van pulled up next to him and told him to “get in” the vehicle.

Earlier Report: 'Get In': Creeper Van Driver Tries Kidnapping 10-Year-Old Near Hudson Home, Police Say

However, in an update Friday, Nov. 17, Hudson Police Commissioner Shane Bower said investigators tracked down the driver and determined that a “language barrier” had led to the misunderstanding.

“The driver had observed a child dropping a jacket on the walking/bicycle path. In an attempt to inform the child, the driver stopped and made a hand gesture pointing to the rear of the vehicle,” Bower said.

“The driver had a strong accent, and the child believed the driver was instructing him to ‘get into the back’ of the van.”

Bower said no crimes were committed and the case was officially closed.

Multiple agencies took part in the investigation, including Hudson Police, New York State Police, New York State Bridge Authority, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hudson City School District.

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