Coquitlam RCMP are seeking witnesses to what they are calling a “confrontation” between a man and a nine-year-old boy Monday at Victoria Park in northeast Coquitlam.
While the call came in to police as an attempted abduction, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said Mounties are urging members of the public to remain calm while investigators gather all the information.
“In almost every emergency, the facts that were initially reported can change dramatically as the investigation progresses,” he said. “Many similar confrontations are initially reported as stranger abductions, yet confirmed cases are extremely rare. It’s important that people avoid drawing conclusions based on early reports they read on social media.”
The incident occurred at around 1 p.m. March 16 when an older man approached the young boy on the north side of the park.
McLaughlin told The Tri-City News that police are still trying to determine whether the altercation was strictly verbal or whether there was a physical component. The park was busy that day, he added, and said anyone who saw anything should contact investigators.
The man is described as a Caucasian male in his 50s with short, brown hair and a brown beard; he was possibly wearing blue jeans and a black denim vest or jacket, and was seen driving a newer model silver sedan or coupe.
“We are issuing this right now largely so we can solicit any witnesses and also to let people know we are on this,” McLaughlin said. “We don’t see a wider risk to the public at this time. This is being done out of an abundance of caution.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the exchange between the man and the boy are asked to call the Coquitlam RCMP’s major crime unit at 604-945-1559 and quote file number 2020-7193.
