Suspected child-luring incidents in Chilliwack prompt police warning
Police in Chilliwack have issued a warning about two suspected child-luring incidents in the northeast part of the city in recent weeks.
In both cases, young girls were approached by men driving vans.
On April 30 at about 6 p.m., an 11-year-old was playing outside when an older man driving a red van stopped and offered her candy. The girl ran to a nearby friend’s home, according to a Chilliwack RCMP news release.
On May 17 at about 3:30 p.m., a 12-year-old girl was approached by an older man driving a white minivan who offered her a ride. Again, the girl ran away.
“Obviously we are very concerned about these events, but we are still investigating to determine if the two incidents are connected,” Cpl. Mike Rail said. “We advise parents to review streetproofing safety tips with their children, such as not to accept rides or gifts from strangers without checking with their parents first.”
Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect in the April 30 incident. He is described as having a long white beard and blue eyes, and was wearing a black longsleeved shirt with black sweatpants and a black toque.
The suspect in the May 17 incident is a man approximately 50 years old with a medium build and a long, skinny dark-brown beard. He was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and a reddish brown cowboy hat.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).