WATCH ABOVE: A new south-east neighbourhood park is the focus of a police investigation after a man confronted several children Friday evening. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON – Police say an unknown man allegedly made “inappropriate physical contact” with at least three children at a southeast Edmonton park Friday evening.
According to police, the said incident happened between 6:30 and 8 p.m. at the Blair McPherson Park playground. The children told their parents, who contacted police.
“It’s best to air on the side of caution right now,” he added, “because the man’s actions were clearly inappropriate and his motives are unknown. The man may have thought he was playing with the children, but when the children returned home and talked to their parents they clearly felt that it was inappropriate, it was creepy, it was strange.”
Officers are doing some additional patrols in the area looking for the man as the investigation continues.
“We don’t want to alarm anyone, but we are asking the public to be attentive and report any suspicious individuals or activities in the area,” said Det. Derek Lai with the EPS Child Protection Section. “We would like to identify this male and speak to him about his behaviour.”
“The EPS Child Protection Section is in the process of interviewing the children from the park,” said Orydzuk. “They have interviewed some of the children that were primarily involved. And, over the next day or two, they’re going to be interviewing some other children that were at the park as well. They want to make sure they have all the details clear and they do have a good suspect description.”
The suspect has been described as:
- slightly darker skinned
- possibly East Indian or Aboriginal
- approximately 25 to 35-years-old
- about 5’10” tall, with a husky build
- weighing approximately 200 lbs
- having short black hair with some grey
- having crooked and yellowing teeth
- being unshaven
- walking with what appeared to be a limp.
The suspect was reportedly wearing a grey t-shirt, black sport shorts with red and white stripe, and a white ball cap. He was believed to be in the company of two other individuals and left in a white or silver four-door vehicle.
Anyone with information that can help to identify and locate this suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers ( 1-800-222-8477) or police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Vemkata Vemana, who just moved to the area with his family a year ago, was surprised to hear about the investigation.
“I was pretty shocked to hear those things and we’re a bit afraid…But so far, I hear this is a safe community.”
Christina Aquino visits the park daily with her children.
“That park is always packed, always.”
News of the incident shocked her.
“I already spoke to the kids this morning. They’re not to get out of my sight and they’re always to be where I can see them.”
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