RCMP are hoping for footage of a man suspected in an attempted abduction near John Howitt Elementary School in Port Alberni.
Police say that around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, an unknown man grabbed a 10-year-old girl who was walking on Bishop Avenue near the school. He reportedly told her to come with him, but a teenage boy intervened and pushed the man away.
The girl was able to get home safely, and Port Alberni RCMP were called several hours later.
The unidentified teenager may have taken a photo of the suspect, police say.
“Over the last few days, investigators with the Port Alberni Major Crime Unit have canvased the area for CCTV, spoken with homeowners and confirmed the area this has occurred,” says a statement from Const. Richard Johns.
“Both the RCMP and the family are grateful for the teenagers actions in helping the victim. However we have yet to identify this good Samaritan, and we like to speak to them and obtain any photos or details that they may have.”
The suspect is described as a white man between 30 and 40 years old. He was wearing black pants, a grey T-shirt, white shoes and a blue surgical mask.
RCMP are asking anyone who was in the area — on Bishop Avenue between Grieve Road and Morgan Crescent North — who may have observed or have footage of the incident to contact the Port Alberni detachment at 250-723-2424.
