Witness stops attempted child abduction in River Heights: Winnipeg police
Stranger followed 2 girls, ages 8 and 10, grabbed one girl's hands, police say
Two girls, ages eight and 10, were walking to school together Thursday morning in Winnipeg when a man followed them and grabbed one girl's hand, police say.
An adult in the area witnessed the incident and intervened, prompting the man to release the girl's hand and run off, police said in a Friday news release.
The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on John Brebeuf Place, around Beaverbrook and Centennial streets in the city's River Heights area.
Both girls arrived at school safely and reported the incident to an adult. No injuries were reported, police say.
The suspect is described as being in his 30s, about six feet tall with a thin build and thin blond hair. He was wearing a tan beach hat with a large brim and sunglasses, a tank top and tropical shorts.
Anyone with information or video surveillance is asked to contact the police service's child abuse unit at 204-986-3296. Anonymous tips can also be left with Crime Stoppers by calling 204-786-8477 or submitting them online at the Crime Stoppers website.