An overly cautious father in nearby Hazleton launched an all-out manhunt for an alleged abductor on Friday.

The father claimed a man who didn't speak English, driving a car, tried to kidnap his daughter.The incident occurred as the girl was arranging a ride home from Laurel Mall.The father ranted and made claims and accusations. The resulting investigation involved state and local police.But after all was said and done, everyone learned that sometimes a ride is just a ride.Police say the girl jumped inside a vehicle which drove away. That part was true. But it was very innocent.Still, the father jumped to conclusions and believed his daughter was being abducted.He was quoted as saying the driver "needs to be put in jail," and that he was offering a very large cash reward in connection with the case.Despite all of the drama, there was no abductor.Instead, the driver was simply operating a ride-share service.Ride-sharing is becoming very popular.It's a form of carpooling that relies on technology. For instance, a ride-share driver might use GPS navigation devices to determine a route and arrange a shared ride. He also might use a smartphone app to find a nearby traveler needing a ride. Additionally, social networks can come into play to establish trust and accountability between drivers and passengers, or to discuss destination.Ride-sharing can be an efficient way to travel.Like carpooling, it takes advantage of empty seats in cars, thus lowering fuel usage and transport costs.It's high on practicality because it can serve areas not covered by a public transit system.Despite all of those advantages, a ride-share last Friday erupted into a manhunt for a perceived abductor.Police said the girl's father called her during the ride and asked to be put on speaker phone. The driver was unable to communicate due to a language barrier. The driver then contacted an interpreter to translate. But everything fell apart. Eventually, the driver stopped his vehicle and let the passenger out. She was picked up by a different driver sent by her father.To say this was a misunderstanding is an understatement. But it's clear it was no abduction and nothing illegal took place.Maybe parents can use this incident as a teaching opportunity. Sit down with your children and lay out ground rules as to what kind of transportation is acceptable.Even more, emphasize with your children the need for communication before arranging for a ride with a ride-share service. Friday night's fiasco in Hazleton was a comedy of errors. But it's nothing to joke about. There were plenty of serious, unfounded accusations leveled.It was a misunderstanding that easily could've escalated into something tragic.By Donald R. Serfass |

dserfass@tnonline.com