Outagamie County authorities address social media posts about alleged threats

HORTONVILLE, Wis. (WBAY) - Posts circulating on Facebook about people making threats from a pickup truck have Outagamie County authorities speaking out and addressing online rumors.

On Wednesday, Hortonville Police said its department was made aware of an incident on social media about an alleged attempted kidnapping. After speaking with the person who reported the incident, police said the details that have circulated on social media don’t reflect the information provided to law enforcement.

Through an investigation, police said they learned several people in a tan Ford Explorer rolled the window down and said “hey” to a woman walking with two kids while walking along a street. Police said the people in the truck made no attempt to force her or the children into the vehicle and didn’t display any weapons.

Hortonville Police said they don’t believe the information circulating on social media is credible and no other incidents have been reported to the police. However, police will provide extra patrols in the area and encourage people to report anything suspicious.

In a separate post, which was also shared by Hortonville Police, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office said it was aware of several social media posts indicating female drivers had been approached by people in pickup trucks who then threatened the women with a gun.

The sheriff’s office said it has not received any credible reports of these incidents and haven’t been contacted by any victims. The sheriff’s office doesn’t believe these incidents are credible, given the lack of any reporting.

Regardless, the sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the area as a precaution.

The sheriff’s office says if you have seen anything suspicious or know anything, please report it to the police immediately.

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