Possible child luring incident reported in Kelowna

KELOWNA – RCMP say a woman may have tried to lure a nine-year-old boy into her minivan in Kelowna yesterday afternoon.

The elementary school student was walking along Baron Road Feb. 22 around 3:20 p.m. when, according to Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, a woman in a dirty, white minivan offered him a ride.

“The female then reportedly offered the boy a toy but the child declined and continued his walk home,” he says in a media release.

The woman wore a white sweater but no other details are known.

O’Donaghey says police conducted patrols of the area but didn’t find a similar vehicle or anyone matching the description. 

“Police continue to investigate and are asking the female driver to contact Kelowna RCMP in order to clarify her actions and hopefully shed some light on this reported incident,” O’Donaghey says, adding that the child’s actions in this situation were “prudent and commended.”

RCMP are taking the opportunity to remind parents to discuss personal awareness and safety strategies with their children.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300 or call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.

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