Arrest in attempted child abduction

Photo: Contributed

A man is in custody following the attempted abduction of an infant from a store on Vancouver's Commercial Drive on Sunday.

A man entered Donald's Market and attempted to forcefully take the infant from a stroller. The woman with the child struggled with the man to make him let go of the baby. A customer came to the woman's aid, assisting her in freeing the child from the man's grip. The child was not injured.

The man fled onto Commercial Drive and moments later approached the mother of a second infant. He began to verbally threaten the nine-month-old baby before being separated by concerned citizens.

When police arrived, the man was taken into custody without incident. The 61-year-old Vancouver man is facing charges of attempted kidnapping, assault and uttering threats.

Investigators are attempting to establish a motive for the offences. Detectives believe the suspect's mental health may have played a role.   

Police are seeking witnesses and are appealing for the woman from the attempted abduction in the market to come forward, as she had left the store before officers were able to speak with her.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vancouver Police Departmnet Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541, said spokesman Sgt. Randy Fincham.