(ST. MARYS, ON) -The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit continues to investigate the incident involving a suspicious male and vehicle in the Town of St. Marys on the evening of December 9, 2017.
Between the hours of 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., a 9-year-old boy was walking on Station Street near Church Street when he was approached by a motor vehicle.
An unknown male offered the child a ride and exited his dark coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV). The adult driver placed his hands on the child's shoulders; however, no further communication occurred between the two. The child fled; the vehicle left the area. The intent of this interaction has yet to be determined and is under investigation.
The male driver is described as a Caucasian male approximately 40-50 years old with short, dark hair, who spoke with a deep voice. The male was wearing a long sleeved black shirt and blue jeans at the time.
The Perth County OPP Crime Unit are seeking to identify the male driver and vehicle and are asking that individual to come forward to speak with police.
Parents and families are strongly encouraged to talk regularly with their children about safety. Reinforce that children should never go anywhere with anyone without permission from their parents. When walking to and from school, take the same route every time. Teach young children to know your full name as well as your home and cell phone numbers. If approached, yell loudly and run away. If unable to, kick or bite.
Public safety remains the priority of the Perth County OPP, and we would ask that anyone who may have information to call police at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 393-6123. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at http://www.pc-crimestoppers.ca/, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.