Alliance Man Accused of Trying To Abduct 11-Year-Old Boy
In a shocking incident that unfolded recently, Joshua Freyermuth who goes by the name Vicky allegedly attempted to abduct an 11-year-old boy. The alleged kidnapping occurred at the boy’s home in Alliance on South Webb Ave. This incident occurred just a few days after the defendant was arrested and released on a own recognizance bond on felony drug possession and drug paraphernalia charges. The details of the case are alarming and underscore the ongoing concerns regarding child safety in the state and across the nation.
According to reports, Freyermuth approached the child under the guise of wanting to talk. Freyermuth told the child “I need to talk to you” in the attempt to lure the 11-year-old off his property and away from his dog. The child refused and Freyermuth attempted to grab him. The victim alleged his dog attacked the suspect causing him to fall back allowing him to escape. Freyermuth was later arrested on the 2200 block of Route 62 in Columbiana County. He was arrested on attempted kidnapping charges. Freyermuth’s bond was set at $100,000 in Alliance Municipal Court.
The incident has raised significant alarm among parents and community members, prompting discussions about child safety and awareness. In Ohio, a new study released shows there’s been an increase in missing children in 2023 with Northeast Ohio having some of the highest numbers in the state. There was a total of 17,405 missing children’s reports filed in 2023. Thankfully, 17,033 of them were recovered safely by year’s end.
- 9,469 cases involved a runaway, where a child leaves a home without permission and stays away overnight.
- 35 cases involved abduction from a non-custodial parent, where a parent, other family member or another person acting on behalf of a parent keeps or conceals a child, depriving another individual of custody or visitation rights.
- 15 cases involved abduction by a stranger.
In addition, Ohio law enforcement in 2023 issued 13 Amber Alerts through the Ohio Amber Alert Plan involving 17 children. Sixteen children were recovered safely, while on child is still missing.
Child abductions can occur in various forms, including family abductions, non-family abductions, and even attempts by strangers. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that about 800,000 children are reported missing each year in the United States, with a significant number being non-family abductions. Many of these cases, however, are resolved quickly, often within hours or days.
Considering this incident, experts urge parents to have open discussions with their children about safety and awareness. Here are some key tips to help protect children from potential abductions:
- Teach Children to Recognize Unsafe Situations- Educate children about the importance of trusting their instincts. If something feels wrong, they should know they can seek help.
- Encourage Open Communication- Children should feel comfortable discussing any strange encounters with their parents or guardians.
- Establish Safety Protocols- Create a plan for what to do if approached by a stranger, including identifying safe places to go and people to trust.
- Use Technology Wisely- Monitor children’s online presence and discuss the importance of privacy and personal safety on social media platforms.
- Community Awareness- Encourage community involvement in child safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs to foster a safer environment for children.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential threats children face. As communities come together to promote safety and awareness, it is essential for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the youngest member of society. The conversation about child safety must continue, ensuring that children are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
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