Police looking for suspect driving red pickup truck after 2 girls followed in Ontario

Police in St. Catharines, Ont. are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with two incidents where young girls were followed, and in one case threatened, by a man driving a red pickup truck.

Niagara Regional Police said a 14-year-old girl was delivering newspapers in the Heywood Avenue and Clover Street area around 4 p.m. Monday, when she noticed a red pickup truck following her for several minutes.

The girl reported that the driver of the truck pulled up beside her and attempted to speak with her, which she then ignored.

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Police said the driver then drove up the street and parked the pickup, and appeared to watch the girl. He then left the area and drove away on Niagara Street without making any attempts to contact the girl further.

The following day, police said a suspect with the same description was involved in a similar incident.

Police said a 13-year-old girl was walking to school alone around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, in the Lakeshore Road and Eastfield Court area, when she noticed a man walking behind her.

The girl reported she heard the man threaten her safety but ignored him and kept walking.

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Police said she then began walking faster in an attempt to get away from the man, when she heard his “keys jingling.” She then looked back and saw a red pickup truck running but no longer saw the suspect.

Police are investigating the incidents and believe the same suspect is involved in both.

The suspect is described by police as a white male, aged 20 to 30 years old, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police 1 District St. Catharines Criminal Investigation Branch or call Crime Stoppers of Niagara.