A man from Lakeland (FL) trying to help a lost girl find her parents, was mistakenly declared kidnapper at the social networks this past weekend. In the end, he was forced to leave the city, fearing for his safety and the safety of his family.
Among other things, the man was beaten by the father of the child who told the media that he thought that the man kidnapped his daughter and was ready to kill him.
The incident prompted the city police to go public with a statement to warn people about what should be «be careful what you post on social networks, not to harm an innocent man… Before you publish information on such issues and distribute it in social media, you must identify its source and to verify the validity of claims».
In the police report that the man was visiting friends when he noticed two year old girl, alone and roaming the streets without parents. The man approached the child and asked where her parents are. He then began to walk around the neighborhood in the hope that she will be able to know your house or bring it to where her parents are. It was at this point the «eyewitnesses» told the parents that a man trying to kidnap their daughter.
When the man with the child came to the Playground, behind him came three. One of the approaching men grabbed the child, and the other the girl’s father – began to beat up a good Samaritan.
The media, the girl’s parents and their friends family instantly disseminated false information about the kidnapping on social networks, accompany it with a photo of «kidnapper».
The police claim that there is an independent witness who heard the man tried to ask the girl where her parents and find her father. Police say such cases are «good samaritana» are rare, but this is the case and actually tried to help a child man not only suffered physically but also experienced the brunt of public condemnation for what was done.
