Kelowna police investigating after teen followed by suspicious stranger

The Kelowna RCMP is investigating after a teenager was followed by a stranger.

The teenager was was walking northbound between Bernard Avenue and Doyle Avenue between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14, RCMP said, when she was approached by a man driving a truck.

The man pulled over and asked her what she was doing. The teen kept walking and the man followed her a short distance until she yelled at him to leave her alone. The truck was last seen turning westbound on Doyle Avenue from Richter Street, according to the RCMP in a press release.

The man is described as a Caucasian, 25 to 30 years old with brown hair and a brown beard. The truck is described as a newer model white Dodge Ram with a black grill and the word “RAM” in black on the grill.

“The teen did the right thing by not stopping, yelling at the man, and telling her family so it could be reported to police,” said Cpl. Tammy Lobb, media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP, in the release. Police officers did not find the suspect or his vehicle. 

An investigation is ongoing and the RCMP is asking parents and caregivers to talk to their children on how to stay safe.

The police also offer these safety tips:

• teach children not to go anywhere with anyone without first getting permission from a parent or guardian
• teach children to always have a buddy with them
• practice scenarios with your child. Ask them what they should do if someone approaches them, asks for help, says their parent sent them
• discuss what to do if your child becomes lost or separated from a parent while out in public
• encourage your child to tell a parent or trusted adult if someone approaches them, or if a situation makes them uncomfortable
• teach your child to trust their instincts and the importance of paying attention to their surroundings
• discuss what to do if someone tries to take them somewhere – shouting “NO!”, kicking
• teach your older child how to stay safe when home alone

Police request the public report any suspicious people or activity to the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. To remain completely anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online here.

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