RCMP warn of attempted Langford child abduction

West Shore RCMP are advising parents to be vigilant with their children following an attempted child abduction. Investigators continue to follow up on leads, but have not identified the man responsible.

Police said a man in a black vehicle — possibly a van or SUV — approached a 12-year-old girl as she was walking home from school in the area of Bellamy Road and Goldie Avenue, near Western Speedway, in Langford at about 4 p.m. on Thursday.

The man stopped beside her and yelled at her to get into the vehicle. The girl fled and called for help immediately. The girl told her parents what happened and they called police within 20 minutes.

The man is described as white, balding, no facial hair, and 40 to 50 years old. He was wearing a grey sweater.

Police patrolled the area and looked for the vehicle, but it was not located, said Cpl. Chris Dovell of West Shore RCMP.

“We have received several tips from the public, but have not identified the vehicle or suspicious male,” Dovell said. “Investigators are requesting the driver of the black vehicle and anyone who might have witnessed the interactions between driver and the girl to call West Shore RCMP or Crime Stoppers.”

RCMP issued an alert to Sooke School District 62, which sent a letter to parents on Friday.

West Shore RCMP explained their decision to wait until Sunday to tell the public about the incident through a statement. “The delay was a decision based on some key information that had to be sorted out with additional interviews,” Dovell said Monday.

A public notification on Thursday or Friday would have included “inaccurate information,” he said. “Our release on Sunday was issued immediately following the completion of this part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at victoriacrimestoppers.ca. Callers do not have to reveal their identity to Crime Stoppers.

For more information, go to westshore.rcmp.ca.