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7/10/2008 3:33 AM

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By Kathie O. Warco, Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

The 11-year-old boy who told Southwest Regional police last month that a man grabbed him and tried to pull him into a van near Newell post office, Fayette County, apparently made up the story. Newell is on the other side of the Monongahela River opposite Coal Center.

The boy told police June 18 that he and his 9-year-old brother were sitting at a makeshift stand on Fourth Street selling mulberries when he was approached. The 11-year-old claimed that the man offered him potato chips to lure him to an older model, green van. He then reportedly grabbed the boy and tried to pull him inside.

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The luring report came two days after two girls told state police they were approached near their Jefferson Township, Fayette County, home.

"After extensive investigations, it was determined that the incident as reported to this department was not true," Southwest police Detective Joseph Pocsatko said Tuesday. "It has been definitively confirmed that no such incident occurred in Newell."

Pocsatko said police put many hours into the investigation.

"It took us from Monessen to Munhall," the detective said.

Police located the person who gave the potato chips to the 11-year-old. Pocsatko said the man has lived in Newell most of his life and is well-known in the community. The younger brother confirmed the 11-year-old's story.

"The boy said he made up the story because he was scared," Pocsatko said. "Everyone was looking for the green van," he added, referring to the Jefferson Township incident. "He said he was afraid because he thought they may come after him after the baby-sitter told him to look out for the van."

Pocsatko said the boys' stepfather brought them to the station Monday so the detective could talk with them again.

"The older boy still was sticking to his original story," Pocsatko said. "The little brother came out with what happened first. He said it didn't happen."

Although the two cases originally were believed to have been connected, Pocsatko said his findings do not relate to the state police investigation.

Pocsatko said he will consult with juvenile authorities in Fayette County to determine if charges should be filed in the false report.

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