Police: Boy, 13, nearly abducted by man offering cash to help move furniture

PITTSBURGH — Police said a 13-year-old boy escaped an abduction attempt on Wednesday on Frankstown Avenue in the city of Pittsburgh.

According to investigators, Aisa Whitfield was walking home from Wilkinsburg about 5 p.m. Wednesday when a man in his 20s approached him and offered him money to help move furniture at his house.

“He was like, ‘I need some help moving furniture. I’ll pay you $30 or $40.’” Whitfield said.

Police said when Whitfield and the man approached the home, the man grabbed the boy from behind and tried pulling him towards a vacant home.

“He put his arm around me first and then he covered my mouth,” Whitfield said. “He said, ‘Keep quiet. I’m going to rob you.’”

Investigators said Whitfield was able to wrestle free and ran home.

“I thought I was going to be killed,” Whitfield said.

Whitfield’s mother, Nickcole Whitfield, told Channel 11 News she was an “emotional wreck” when she found out about the incident.

“They could have done anything to him. They could have killed him, raped him or done anything,” Nickcole Whitefield said.

She admitted that her son was wrong for going with a stranger, but said she’s also worried about the high number of abandoned houses in the area.

“Anything could have happened,” Nickcole Whitfield said. “I could have been making funeral arrangements this morning.”

Police are investigating the case as an aggravated assault and unlawful restraint. So far, there is no word on any arrests. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

WPXI