Vernon RCMP looking for suspect in ‘suspicious occurrence’ involving young girl

VERNON – Vernon RCMP are asking for the public's help after an 11-year-old girl was allegedly grabbed on the arm by an unknown man near Mission Hill Elementary School yesterday.

Two 11-year-old girls were walking along a path near Mission Hill School in the 1500 block of 36 Street just after 6 p.m. yesterday, Feb. 12, when an unknown male approached and grabbed one of the girls on the arm, according to an RCMP media release.

The other girl then ran into the street yelling for help, at which point the suspect quickly let go of the other girl's arm and fled on foot. A vehicle stopped for the girls and assisted them into safety by taking them to a nearby church. Neither of the girls were injured during the incident.

Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said police have identified and spoken to the good Samaritans that helped the girls but won't release anymore information about the investigation other than it is ongoing.

RCMP describe the suspect as male with tan coloured skin, wearing dark or all black clothing, and approximately 5’7" to 5’10" tall with a thin to average build.

Vernon RCMP are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the detachment at 250-545-7171 and reference file #2019-3092.

— This story was updated at 11:03 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 with new information from RCMP.

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