Recently, an incident occurred at Hall Park involving a woman watching a Little League game who drew the concern of parents due to her presence and possible photographing of children. Officers promptly responded to parents’ concerns, contacted the woman, and conducted a thorough review of the circumstances.

During the interaction, the individual cooperated fully with officers and allowed a review of her mobile phone. Officers determined there were no photographs or videos of children, nor any evidence of inappropriate or criminal activity. The woman explained that, culturally, being around children brings her joy and happiness. She understood and respected the parents’ concerns and voluntarily agreed to leave the park.

Despite this resolution, an anonymous person posted photos of the woman online, leading to significant misinformation and unsubstantiated speculation regarding child trafficking. The Dixon Police Department emphasizes that officers did not identify any criminal activity or intent during their contact. In fact, the woman later voluntarily came to the Police Department to further clarify and resolve the situation — behavior that is typically inconsistent with any criminal intent.

Statement from Police Chief Robert Thompson:

“The Dixon Police Department has thoroughly reviewed this incident and found absolutely no threat to public safety. What concerns me most is not the event itself, but the wave of fear and speculation that followed. Anonymous social media posts that target individuals without facts not only endanger innocent people — they fuel suspicion, division, and lead to unnecessary calls for police service that pull resources away from where they’re truly needed. Fear, when left unchecked, can become more dangerous than the situations it claims to expose. We ask our community to remain vigilant, but also respectful and thoughtful. The Dixon Police Department is committed to protecting everyone in our community — and that includes ensuring no one is unfairly targeted or harassed based on assumptions or online rumor.”

The Dixon Police Department urges the public to approach such situations with understanding and tolerance. Public parks are community spaces open to everyone, and individuals have the right to enjoy these public areas. While vigilance regarding child safety is essential, avoiding assumptions or accusations without facts or evidence is equally important.

We appreciate the vigilance of our community, but remind everyone that concerns should be promptly reported to law enforcement professionals, who are trained to investigate appropriately. The Dixon Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety, respect, and rights of all community members.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Dixon Police Department at 707-678-7080.