Stranger danger incident near Oliver elementary school prompts warning

Parents and caregivers of children attending an elementary school in Oliver were issued a letter notifying them of an unsettling incident that took place near the school this morning.

Sen Pok Chin School principal Valerie Allen says a notice was issued following an incident involving three younger students waiting for the bus today, Feb. 12.

A parent witnessed a four-door, grey vehicle stopping to talk to the children. The man in the car asked if they wanted to see his puppy.

One of the parents yelled at the children to come back to the house, at which point the man continued to engage the children to come and see his puppy.

Allen says as soon as she was able to deal with the situation she called the police. She was then told the parents who witnessed the event also called police.

Classes at the First Nations school reviewed stranger danger teachings to remind children what to do if a stranger tries to convince them to engage in what could be a potentially dangerous situation.

Allen says a copy of the letter to parents and caregivers was also passed on to School District 53.

RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Jason Bayda said in a press release the man in the vehicle is described as Caucasian, around 50 years old with grey hair. Police would like to speak to the man to learn of his intentions.

Officers are canvassing the neighbourhood and wish to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident, or who might have video surveillance cameras in the area.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

— This story was updated at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, to include information from RCMP.

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