Police seek suspect who tried to lure girl, 13, in Old Ottawa South

A man tried to lure a 13-year-old girl on her way to school in Old Ottawa South into his car, police said Sunday.

They’re asking that witnesses or anyone who experienced something similar call investigators.

The girl reported that it happened at about 8:30 a.m. last Wednesday in the parking lot near the Brewer Arena.

The suspect seemed to be arranging something in the back seat of his car when he noticed her as she walked by. He got into his car and drove up to the girl and asked her if she wanted a ride instead. When she refused, he told her he’d drive her to the Eiffel Tower.

She ran toward her school and alerted another student and parent as the suspect got into his car and sped off.

He is described as a white man with tanned skin or a Middle Eastern background, about 50 years old and 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 with a short grey beard, yellow teeth and a pot belly. He spoke accented English and wore a grey toque and jacket and black gloves with grey lines and the fingers cut off.

His vehicle is described as a silver or grey four-door, possibly with a hatchback and with a hood ornament on the front. The rear and possibly front windows were tinted. It may have dark seat covers on the front seat and there were paper fast food bags on the passenger seat floor.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sexual assault and child abuse section at 613-2361222 ext. 5944. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

City police also ask that citizens report any suspicious activity “as soon as you see it” by calling 613236-1222.