Police release sketch of suspect in stranger danger incident at Vernon school

Police are renewing their efforts to identify a man who allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old in Vernon by releasing a sketch image of the suspect.

The Vernon RCMP reported the incident happened around 2:30 p.m., Oct. 11, at an elementary school in the 4300 block of 20 Street. RCMP did not identify the school.

An unknown man allegedly grabbed the child by the arm and asked them to go with him, however the child resisted and got home safely. 

"As part of the ongoing investigation, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP has enlisted the service of a forensic sketch artist," Const. Chris Terleski said in a press release issued today, Nov. 8.

"A forensic composite sketch of the suspect has been compiled and we are releasing it to the public who we hope can assist us in identifying the suspect and furthering our investigation."

The suspect is described as a tall, slender Caucasian man in his late 50s. He has short grey hair, and he was wearing jean overalls and a brown shirt.

Anybody who might be able to help the RCMP identify the man is asked to contact the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171 and reference number 2022-18303.


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Dan Walton


Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
Dan is always happy to hear from readers. To get in touch for any reason he can be contacted at (250) 488-3065 or dwalton@infonews.ca.