Abduction text threats are hoaxes, AEDC says

According to Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) spokesman Joel Fortner, on Wednesday "there were erroneous text messages sent to several residents in our vicinity stating that AEDC has issued a security bulletin advising women to be careful of abductions and heinous crimes happening in our local area."

AEDC did not release any such warning, Fortner said.

The text messages warn women shopping in the areas of Tullahoma and Manchester not to remove fliers from their vehicle windshields, claiming that when the women get out to remove the paper from their windows, two men will knock them out and kidnap them.

"There is no basis to support the text message claim that women are in particular danger of being abducted and assaulted at the base," Fortner stated.

"This text message hoax notwithstanding, be assured AEDC regularly partners with local authorities to help ensure a safe community. If you witness suspicious or criminal activities, please continue to report them to the proper authorities," Fortner said.