White Rock RCMP are investigating an attempted abduction of a nine-year-old girl on school grounds last Friday.
The incident was reported to police and the school on Tuesday, according to officials.
The attempted abduction occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the playground of White Rock Elementary (1273 Fir St.), when an unknown man approached the girl and tried to lure her to a vehicle, according to the report.
Const. Shaileshni Molison described it as “a very brash move.”
“We’re not taking it to be something innocent,” she said.
“A man approached the girl and asked her to come with him to his car for some treats,” a school letter to parents states. “The girl said no, and other parents sitting nearby heard and looked at the man. The man then quickly left.”
Molison believes fear was behind the delayed reporting of the incident to police.
“I think probably because the girl was frightened and the mom wasn’t sure what to do,” she said.
Wednesday, police released a composite of the alleged assailant, who is described as a bald Caucasian, 20 to 30 years old and approximately six feet tall, with tattoos covering both arms and a stud earring. He was wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt with red writing and beige shorts.
Molison said officers are "turning every leaf" to determine the individual's identity and if similar incidents have occurred elsewhere.
While she did not urge parents to exercise increased vigilance in light of the incident, the school letter suggests parents consider reminding their children of "stranger danger" safety precautions including always walk with friends, don't take shortcuts and do not assist strangers.
Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect's identity is asked to contact police at
778-593-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.