Richmond RCMP seeking witnesses in alleged attempted kidnapping, vehicle fire
Victim reported one of the suspects appeared to be dressed as a fake cop
Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage after an alleged attempted kidnapping in Richmond, involving an apparent fake cop.
The incident was followed by a vehicle fire, according to a release from the Richmond RCMP.
They said a woman reported that three men approached her around 4 p.m. on Monday, at a local sports facility near the 4300 block of No. 3 Road.
The victim reported one of the men was wearing an item marked "police" and carrying a portable radio. She said a struggle ensued but she was able to break free, police explain.
The suspects left in a black Jeep Cherokee with an Alberta licence plate, according to the release. Police said the vehicle was located around 10 p.m. that evening on fire in the 13000 block of Vulcan Way.
Police said the incident appears to have been targeted.
"We recognize the public may be concerned by the fact that one of the suspects alluded to being a police officer," inspector Michael Cohee, Officer-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services and Community Engagement, said in the statement.
"If you are ever approached by someone indicating they are a plainclothes police officer, it is okay to ask for identification to verify their claims."
Searching for witnesses
Police are hoping to speak with two potential witnesses, whose photographs have been released.
The first witness was wearing a black jacket, blue shirt, white pants, white running shoes and carrying a white and black umbrella.
The second witness was wearing a grey jacket, grey pants, white running shoes, black glasses and carrying a pink purse.
"We know there were people walking past the area at the time the alleged attempted kidnapping took place," said Cpl. Adriana O'Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer, in the statement.
Police said they are also looking for anyone else who was near or may have dashcam footage of the 4300 block of No. 3 Road between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. or near the 13000 block of Vulcan Way between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. as well as between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call Richmond RCMP.