Advertisement

UPDATE: Vernon RCMP investigating after girl, 11, allegedly grabbed by stranger

Vernon RCMP are seeking witnesses to what they are calling a suspicious occurrence that took place Tuesday evening near an elementary school. File / Global News

UPDATE:

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said they have since spoken to the two Good Samaritans regarding an alleged grabbing incident earlier this week.

On Tuesday, an 11-year-old girl was allegedly grabbed by an unknown male. The girl was walking with a friend near Mission Hill Elementary School just after 6 p.m., when the man approached them and allegedly grabbed one of them.

The other girl fled, yelling for help, which police said caused the man to flee. A passing vehicle stopped and the occupants took the two girls to a nearby church.

On Wednesday, police released the news of the incident.

On Thursday, police said they had spoken to, and identified, the Good Samaritans. Police also thanked the public and media for sharing the incident.

Story continues below advertisement

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police in the North Okanagan are seeking witnesses to an alleged incident near a Vernon school in which an unknown male grabbed an 11-year-old girl.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

According to Vernon RCMP, the incident took place near Mission Hill Elementary School on Tuesday, Feb. 12, just after 6 p.m.

Police say two young girls, both 11 years old, were walking on a path near the school when the unknown male approached them. Police say the male then allegedly grabbed one of the girls by the arm. The other girl reportedly fled, running onto a nearby street and yelling for help.

Police say that the girl’s actions — running and yelling — caused the male to let go of the other girl’s arm before fleeing on foot.

The youths reportedly got the attention of a passing vehicle, with the occupants taking the two young girls to a nearby church.

WATCH BELOW: (Aired Aug. 14, 2018) Young girls fight off alleged abductor by throwing hot coffee at him

Click to play video: 'Young girls fight off alleged abductor by throwing hot coffee at him'
Young girls fight off alleged abductor by throwing hot coffee at him

Police added the girls were not hurt in the incident.

Story continues below advertisement
“Officers are currently investigating this incident,” said Vernon RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett. “However, [police] are looking to speak to the good Samaritans that assisted the youth last evening, as they left prior to police arrival and were not identified.”

The suspect is described as a male with tan-coloured skin who is approximately five-foot-seven to five-foot-10 in height with a thin to average build. The suspect was wearing dark or all black clothing at the time of the incident.

Vernon RCMP are asking anyone who may have been around the 1500 block of 36th Street on Tuesday, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., to contact them and reference file no. 2019-3092.

Sponsored content

AdChoices