Thunder Bay Police are charging a 29-year-old man from Pikangikum First Nation with public mischief after they say his claim of being abducted ended up being fake.
The man told police last week he was shoved into a vehicle on Arthur Street but was able to get away to safety.
Detective Sergeant Tracy Lewis says police are frustrated because it takes significant resources to investigate a serious allegation like an attempted abduction.
“We’re devoting resources to this and there are other incidents that victims deserve our time to be working with them. So, you will prioritize your interviews, prioritize what few officers that are able to work on it are now working on that and not working on the other lists that are ongoing.”
Lewis notes crying wolf like this also hurts a communities reputation as it strikes fear among residents and visitors.
She stresses they want everyone to feel safe when staying in Thunder Bay.
