WATCH ABOVE: There are renewed calls to increase resources for those with mental illnesses. That’s after a disturbing incident involving infants in East Vancouver. Kristen Robinson reports.
A 61-year-old Vancouver man is in police custody after attempting to abduct a child in a market on Commercial Drive.
It happened around 11:45 a.m. today in Donald’s Market. According to Sgt. Randy Fincham, the man forcefully tried to take an infant from his stroller.
“The woman with the child struggled with the man to make him let go of the baby,” wrote Fincham in a statement. “A customer came to the woman’s aid, assisting her in freeing the child from the man’s grip. The child was not injured.”
The man left the store, but then began to verbally threaten a different nine-month-old baby on the street. Police took the man into custody without incident, and he’s now facing charges of attempted kidnapping, assault and uttering threats. They do believe his mental health may have played a role in the incident.
“These mental health incidents are entirely preventable,” says Vancouver councillor Kerry Jang, who is calling on the provincial government to put more money into the issue.
“We’re doing everything we can, but this is a provincial responsibility…this is not news.”
READ MORE: Mayor and Police Chief declare “mental health crisis” in Vancouver
Vancouver Police were searching for the woman from the attempted abduction, as she left Donald’s Market before they arrived on scene. Fincham said Sunday the woman has been identified as a result of media coverage.
If you have any information about the attempted abduction, or what led up to it, you’re asked to call the VPD Major Crimes department at 604-717-2541.
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