Report of man approaching Arlington child ‘unfounded’, police say

The Arlington Police Department said Thursday it closed its investigation into the report of a 11-year-old boy who was allegedly approached by a masked man Tuesday afternoon, saying the report was “unfounded.”

The boy told police he was walking home around 3:10 p.m. on Waldo Road when he was approached by a vehicle and a man wearing a “black facemask” who attempted to grab his arm, police said in a a Tuesday press release. 

The boy said the man did not say anything, and the boy was able to run away, police said. 

Police Chief Julie Flaherty said the department conducted a thorough investigation that included interviews with the boy and several witnesses, as well as a review of multiple angles of surveillance footage.

“The department has determined that there is insufficient evidence to support further investigative action,” Flaherty said.