Three people were arrested on a charge of initiating a false report Friday, and one of them faces an additional charge of assault, according to a release from the Springfield Police Department (SPD).
At 10:43 a.m. on July 21, officers were called out to Dari Mart, located at 1243 Rainbow Dr., to a report of a kidnapping and harassment.
William Kyle Brady, 23, and Marlena Romona Brady, 24, both of Springfield, reported a male subject had grabbed their 3-year-old child and was trying to kidnap her when Connie Sue Howlett, 39, grabbed the child back.
William Brady reported he had used physical force to keep the suspect from his daughter.
Police say the Bradys asked Howlett to help in corroborating their story to police, and to act as a witness to the alleged incident.
Officers spoke to the kidnapping suspect, who said William Brady had attacked him without provocation. The suspect reported sustaining injuries which did not necessitate immediate medical attention.
Initially, police say the story seemed believable based on witness statements, but officers became skeptical and searched nearby locations and obtained video surveillance of the area.
Surveillance footage showed William Brady had walked up to the person who was reported as being a suspect, who was sitting outside the store, and kicked him in the face. It was also learned the child was never in close proximity to the person accused of the kidnapping attempt.
Police interviewed William Brady, and learned the story had been concocted after the alleged assault occurred. It is believed the motive for the assault was based on a previous conflict between Brady and the victim.
William and Marlena Brady, along with Howlett, were charged with initiating a false report, and William Brady was also charged with fourth-degree assault.
.){kind=link}