Police warn of male(s) approaching children and offering candy
Kingston Police and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are notifying the public of at least two incidents where a man approached young children and offered them candy.
The incidents occurred recently, according to a release from Kingston Police, but “reports are conflicting to some degree.” To be clear, it is unknown whether or not the incidents are connected.
According to a separate media release from the OPP, one of the incidents occurred on Monday, Jun. 11, 2018 at approximately 5:32 p.m. That incident involved a male driver approaching a 12-year-old girl on Pratt Street in Amherstview. The suspect in that case is described as a white male in his mid-60s with a gray beard. The suspect was wearing a hat and sunglasses at the time, and his vehicle is described as an older model Dodge minivan, either silver or white in colour, with several rust spots.
According to the OPP, that suspect was also observed driving on the wrong side of the road and approaching children as they walked.
“In other instances he has offered rides to other youth, often using candy and similar items to lure children into his vehicle,” a release from the OPP said.
The OPP are looking to identify the male and his vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Napanee OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
According to the release from Kingston Police, a separate yet similar incident occurred in a park off of Curtis Crescent (near the intersection of Portsmouth Avenue and Johnson Street). The suspect in that incident is described as being white male in his 20s standing approximately 5’8” and of average build, with dark brown hair past his shoulders. He is also described as wearing dark clothing.
By time of press, Kingston Police did not confirm the time or date of the incident off of Curtis Avenue, nor whether or not the incident described by the OPP is related to that described in their press release.
Kingston Police say the incidents are being investigated and anyone who has experienced similar incidents, or who may have any information, is asked to contact Detective Amanda Smith at 613-549-4660 ext. 6292, or via email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be made by calling the general Kingston Police number (613-549-4660 ext.0) and asking to be anonymous, or by calling Crime Stoppers (number above).
Kingston Police are also encouraging parents to remind children to stay away from strangers, and suggest this link provides some good advice on the subject: https://www.kidsmartz.org/StrangerDanger