UPDATE: Police Say Alleged Child Abduction Attempt in Niceville Was False Report

In Brief:

🚨 A juvenile reported an attempted abduction on June 17 in the 37th Street area of Niceville.
🚗 The suspect, described as a white male, was driving a navy-blue SUV or minivan and tried to force the child into the vehicle.
📹 Police are asking residents near Juniper Avenue to review surveillance footage from 10:15–11:00 a.m. and contact Detective Carlos Poveda with any information.

Update – June 19, 2025:

The Niceville Police Department announced that the juvenile who reported an attempted abduction earlier this week has admitted to making up the story. After a thorough investigation, authorities have determined the report to be false, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The investigation is now closed.

Police emphasized that filing a false report is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges.

Original Story

Police are investigating an attempted child abduction that took place Tuesday morning, June 17, near 37th Street in Niceville.

According to a report from the Niceville Police Department, a juvenile was walking home when he was approached by an unidentified white male driving a navy-blue SUV or minivan. The man reportedly offered the child a ride. When the child refused, the man got out of the vehicle, grabbed the juvenile by the arm, and attempted to force him inside.

The child was able to break free and run away. The suspect then returned to his vehicle and was last seen driving eastbound on 37th Street before turning south onto Juniper Avenue.

Investigators say they have reviewed surveillance video from the area, but none of the available footage shows the portion of the road where the incident occurred. Detectives are now asking for help from the public—especially residents along Juniper Avenue.

They are looking for any security camera footage from between 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on June 17 that may show a navy-blue SUV or minivan heading southbound on Juniper.

Anyone with video or information is encouraged to contact Detective Carlos Poveda with the Niceville Police Department at 850-729-4030 or by email at cpoveda@nicevillefl.gov.