Attempted 'kidnapping' just boot camp initiation

What was reported as an attempted kidnapping last week turned out to be a 17-year-old who was physically restrained and taken to a “youth boot camp,” Burbank Police said Monday.

Officers responded about 2 p.m. Friday to the intersection of Olive Avenue and Third Street regarding a possible kidnapping after two men dressed in “army-style camouflage” were seen walking a boy with his hands bound behind his back, Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said.

The teen was placed in a white van and his head was covered with a sweatshirt, witnesses said. Officers conducted an investigation and found that the 17-year-old boy was physically restrained and taken to a “youth boot camp.”

His mother confirmed with police that she authorized boot camp officials to abduct her son and take him to the facility. She was inside the van during the time of the reported incident, police said.

Officers contacted the boot camp facility, which confirmed that the boy was at their facility. Officers also advised facility operators to contact the department and give prior notice before conducting similar events in the future, Quesada said.