Ottawa police say there is no cause for panic despite a series of cases involving children and strangers within the last month.
The latest of a string of incidents happened Monday when a man allegedly grabbed an 11-year-old boy who was riding on a bike path in Orleans.
"The boy made a kicking motion, got him away and kept riding," said Staff Sgt. John McGetrick of the Ottawa police. "From what we understand, the suspect ran after him but someone else appeared on the path and he quit his pursuit."
The man is described as heavyset and tall, with stained teeth and short grey hair.
Since April, Ottawa police say they have investigated seven incidents involving children and strangers. Police say they suspect some of the cases which involve a red car and a man in his 20s could be related.
On May 2, a 14-year-old girl on her way to school in Old Ottawa South was grabbed by a young man in a red Mazda.
Similarly, on April 17, a 12-year-old girl was walking along a street off St.Laurent Boulevard when a man in a red car followed her and tried to talk to her. She was able to run away.
Similar incidents involving a man who allegedly approached children while driving a white van have also been reported a few blocks south of the area.
Many young people say the suspicious incidents now have them worried about their safety,
"When I'm out late, I just make sure I walk with other people or not go out at all," Dana Howell told CTV Ottawa.
"I feel that everyone is a potential target, not to be paranoid or anything, but it's concerning," said Arianna Amendola.
Police, however, say it's difficult to determine whether the number of cases is increasing or if more cases are being reported.
"It's the time of year when people are out active on pathways and wooded areas and people with bad intentions will resurface," said McGetrick. "We get more (reports of) indecent acts this time of year."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
