Vancouver police are seeking witnesses to a case of attempted child-luring near an East Vancouver high school earlier this month.
A 14-year-old girl had just begun her walk home from Killarney Secondary School on Friday, May 7 when she passed a dark red minivan with tinted windows parked alongside the road. According to a news release from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the van's male driver, who looked to be in his 60s with grey or white hair, reportedly "yelled at the girl to get in the car."
The girl ran away, but said the driver continued to follow her "for about a block," while yelling obscenities at her.
The incident took place at around 3 p.m. just outside the school, located at East 49 Ave. near Killarney St., police say.
VPD investigators are now looking to speak with the driver of the van.
“This must have been a frightening and unsettling experience for this teenager, who was just walking home from school when she was approached by a man who made her feel unsafe,” said VPD Sgt. Steve Addison.
The teenager did the right thing by quickly heading for safety and immediately reporting the incident to a trusted adult, he added. The teen's family member later contacted the VPD, allowing investigators to canvass the area and uncover video surveillance showing the suspect’s van.
"Everyone should feel safe and comfortable walking around in their own neighbourhood, especially a teenager who is just coming home from school,” he continued.
VPD investigators ask anyone with information or dash cam footage captured on May 7 between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the area of East 49th and Killarney Street to call police at 604-717-0600.
