Man in Hay River approaches child
RCMP remind youth to be vigilant of strangers
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, February 15, 2016
HAY RIVER
Hay River RCMP are warning the public after a young child was approached by a stranger on the street.
On Jan. 30 at around 6:15 p.m., an unknown man called out to a six-year-old walking home from a friend's house from across the street.
According to the police, the individual asked the child to "come here." The child told the man no, asked his name and stayed on the opposite side of the road.
The unknown man is described as being between five-feet-eight inches and five-feet-10 inches, wearing dark clothing and having a medium build. He was on foot and walked away after speaking with the child.
RCMP are recommending parents and caregivers review safety procedures with children about not talking to strangers and what they should do if a stranger approaches them, such as running to a safe area, noting a description of the person and vehicle if applicable and contacting a trusted adult right away.
Speaking on Feb. 5, Const. Samuel Holm, the south district media liaison for the RCMP's G-Division, said there have been no other reports since Jan. 30 of any unknown individuals approaching children.
He said RCMP would like to speak to the individual to determine what his intent was in calling out to the child.
"But based on the information that we have in front of us at this time, there's no criminal offence," the officer said.
Holm was asked why the child was out so late, walking alone in the dark. The RCMP news release states the incident occurred at around 6:15 p.m.
"That's obviously part of the discussion that parents need to be having," he said.
"If ... they're travelling through any areas where the parents might be concerned, then that's certainly something that the parents need to keep in mind."
