Powell River RCMP is still on the hunt for two suspects who approached a pair of Westview Elementary School students on Thursday, February 25, and offered them a ride in their car.
The two men are described as caucasian, between 20 and 30 years old, with short hair and wearing baseball caps and black shirts. One of the men had a heavy, dark beard.
RCMP constable Tim Kenning said the incident is not “the norm” for Powell River and police are still trying to confirm the seriousness of it.
“We don’t actually know what the suspects’ intentions were,” said Kenning. “Was it the more scary side of things, or was it an attempt at humour? We haven’t determined that.”
Westview school principal Scott Fisher sent a letter home to parents the day of the incident, asking them to warn children and reinforce the idea of “stranger danger.”
“That was a success,” said Kenning, “that the school took the initiative to send out that notice.”
Kenning confirmed the incident was not connected to a similar one on January 6. In that case, an 11-year-old boy was approached by a young man parked outside a local fast food restaurant.
“If you are approached by a stranger and you are uncomfortable, remove yourself from the equation and go tell someone you trust,” said Kenning.
“In this case the kids did the right thing and told a teacher.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477.
