Ottawa police are investigating a suspicious incident involving a 15-year-old girl and the driver of a white van.
Police say the girl was walking on Lajoie Street near Blake Boulevard in Vanier at about 9:30 Thursday morning when she noticed a white van following her.
Police say the driver of the van allegedly asked the girl to get into his vehicle but she refused.
The girl continued walking on the street, and then started to run when the van continued to follow her.
When the girl saw a man in a nearby parking lot, she ran towards him and the van turned around and was last seen heading westbound on McArthur Avenue.
Police say the van is described as an older model white Ford Econoline.
String of incidents
The recent incident follows a string of similar events this spring. Since April, several suspicious incidents between strangers and children have been reported to Ottawa police.
Police say they believe only a couple of the incidents may be linked.
Reduce your risk
You can reduce the risk of your child becoming a victim by:
- Making sure your children know how to reach you in case of an emergency
- Using a password when a stranger picks your kids up
- Telling kids to avoid walking alone
- Telling kids to never accept gifts from strangers
- Staying in well-lit areas and avoid walking or playing in isolated locations
- Making sure your children are aware of their surroundings
Anyone with information about any of the recent suspicious incidents involving children and strangers is asked to call Ottawa police at 613-236-1222 ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS.
