(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
May 10, 2023 - 11:54 AM
Vernon RCMP are investigating after a man in a brown vehicle approached a child walking to school yesterday.
Police say the incident took place near Alexis Park Elementary in the 4200 block of 35 Street yesterday, May 9, just after 8 a.m.
The man, thought to be between 40 and 50 years old, called out several times in an attempt to get the child to come over to his vehicle. The man also offered a gift if the child got in.
The child continued walking and the child's parent saw what was taking place and approached the vehicle, only for it to then drive away.
The police were called and officers searched for the vehicle but didn't find it.
"We are working closely in partnership with SD22 and to ensure the necessary steps are taken to keep our students safe," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in a media release.
"The student did the right thing by recognizing and staying away from an unsafe situation."
The man is described as being between 40 and 50 years old, with a moustache or goatee, wearing light brown clothing, and driving an older brown station wagon-type vehicle.
"We can’t reinforce enough that establishing safe habits for interacting with strangers starts at home," Const. Terleski said. "Make safety conversations with your children a regular thing; it gives them confidence and helps prepare them so they know what to do if they are ever in an unsafe situation."
Police are appealing to the public for information and would ask anyone living or driving in the area that may have video footage to contact them at 250-545-7171 and quote file number 2023-7313.
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