Otsego County, New York Town Reeling After Abduction Attempt

Worcester, New York is a small town in the eastern portion of Otsego County that shares a border with Schoharie County. It's the kind of place that might be associated with Norman Rockwell paintings or Sinclair Lewis novels, depending on what you subscribe to.

People who grew up in Worcester, especially during the latter half of the 20th century will tell you that it's the kind of place in which locking the doors of their homes or cars was unheard of. I first lived in Worcester 18 years ago, moved away, and came back in 2020. I was heartily laughed at for locking things up and called a city boy or flatlander for doing so.

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It's also the kind of idyllic small town where children free ranged, running the streets and playing as they pleased until the sun went down, and it was time to return home.

Unfortunately, that peace was broken last night due to the announcement by Worcester Central School, referencing an alleged attempted child abduction.

The school's statement reads:

Good Evening WCS Families,

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As a result, I wanted to share a situation that we learned of tonight that is currently being investigated. At approximately 8 p.m. this evening one of our students may have been the victim of an attempted abduction on Main Street. It is alleged that a person in a black, Dodge or similar style minivan, tried to lure one of our students into the vehicle. The NYS State Police are currently investigating the situation and if more information becomes available we will be sure to pass it along. As a precaution, tomorrow morning we will have an increased presence of staff outside the building. Our school community is the strongest when we stand together and I ask that if you see something suspicious, please alert any member of our school staff.

Respectfully,