Springfield Police Find No Evidence in Attempted Abduction Report Near Gateway

Springfield Police Department detectives say they have not corroborated a report that an adult male attempted to abduct an 8‑year‑old in the area of Gateway Street and Harlow Road, about 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2026. The location has been described as near the Shoppes at Gateway by the Register‑Guard; the department filed the case as 26-1093.

Officers and SPD detectives responded the evening of Feb. 18 and, according to the Springfield media release, "initiated a thorough investigation into the allegation." Investigative steps included interviewing the involved child and the child’s parent, canvassing the area for potential witnesses, and collecting and reviewing digital evidence, to include area video surveillance.

The Springfield media release states plainly, "At this time, investigators have not corroborated the report, and no evidence has been identified to substantiate that a crime occurred." KEZI and syndicated outlets reported the same status, noting that detectives found no evidence to support the kidnapping claim and that no crime has been confirmed.

Deputy Chief George Crolly, credited on the SPD release and quoted in media coverage, addressed community concerns directly: "We want to reassure the public that we take all reports of this nature seriously and dedicate appropriate investigative resources to ensure the safety and well‑being of those involved," Crolly said.

The department is asking anyone with information to come forward. The media release lists the Springfield Police Department public information email spdpi@springfield-or.gov and the public tip line (541) 726-3721, and instructs callers to reference case number 26-1093 when providing details.

Reporting on the incident has been carried by the city media release, the Register‑Guard (reporter Haleigh Kochanski), KEZI and syndicated services including Yahoo and NewsBreak. No suspect name or physical description beyond "an adult male" has been released, and no arrests or charges have been reported. SPD has not disclosed further specifics about what the surveillance footage did or did not show. Investigators continue to review collected digital evidence and canvass tips; anyone with knowledge or specific details is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at (541) 726-3721.