Huntley police officials announced Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019) afternoon that two boys have recanted their story about teens duct-taping an 8-year-old to a pole at the Stingray Bay aquatics center in Huntley

Officials said they re-interviewed the two boys, ages 6 and 8, who told their mother the 8-year-old had been duct taped to a pole and his candy swiped by a pair of teenagers at the popular Park District aquatics center.

“Based on the multiple people (interviewed) and videos reviewed throughout the investigation, detectives were looking to corroborate information, at which time the juveniles ultimately recanted their story and stated that they were playing a game,” police said in an afternoon news release. “Due to the age of the juveniles, there will be no criminal charges, and the consequences will be handled by the parents.”

Huntley police and Park District officials had been seeking the public’s help identifying teenagers.

The two boys’ initial story was that they were at the park area adjacent to the Stingray Bay water park and using outdoor fitness equipment, when they were approached by two teenagers who were riding bicycles.

The boys claimed that one of the teenagers grabbed the 8-year-old boy’s wrist, took his candy, duct taped his wrist to a pole, then rode off toward Mill Street on their bicycles. The boys said the teenagers were wearing black shorts, and black-and-green T-shirts with “Fortnite” logos.

The 6-year-old boy sought help from a park employee. The park employee cut the duct tape, releasing the boy, then contacted their mother.

SOURCE: Huntley Police Department news release

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