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Bloomington Police: No Threat at O'Neil Pool

UPDATE 4:25 p.m. | Bloomington Police blamed miscommunication Friday for a press release that asked for the public's help identifying a man who asked about children at O'Neil Pool.

Bloomington Police issued a revised statement late Friday afternoon:

After a further investigation with a social service agency, we learned there were several communications errors made by the involved parties. We applaud the efforts of the camp counselors for not releasing the juvenile without proper documentation being shown. This case has been administratively closed.

Here is the original story, published earlier Friday and since corrected, based on Bloomington Police's initial press release sent around 1:30 p.m.

Police are asking for the public’s help finding a suspicious man who allegedly showed up to a Bloomington pool and tried unsuccessfully to leave with a child. The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. Thursday at O’Neil Pool on the city’s west side. A man who identified himself as "Israel" told camp counselors he was with Child Protective Services and had orders to pick up a child, Bloomington police said. The counselors did not allow the man to pick up the child. The subject was described as a black male, late 40s to early 50s in age, dark skin, 6 feet in height, medium build, wearing blue jeans, a blue striped polo shirt, black shoes, and had a Bluetooth device in his ear. The man had a strong accent and is believed to be possibly of African descent. No arrests have been made and police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact BPD Officer Albert at (309) 434-2381 or salbert@cityblm.org. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call McLean County Crime Stoppers at (309) 828-1111. If your call leads to the arrest and indictment of suspect(s) you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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