Oliver school sends warning about possible abduction attempt

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Sen Pok Chin Elementary School sent out a warning Wednesday morning about a potential child abduction attempt of its students.

UPDATE: 5:30 p.m. 

Oliver RCMP are investigating the suspicious occurrence where a man stopped his vehicle and asked three young children if they would like to see his puppy early Wednesday. 

The police are seeking the public's help to identify the man involved in the incident, which occurred on Harmony Crescent in Oliver. 

He is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 50 years old with grey hair. The vehicle is a grey, four-door car, possibly a 2000-era model. 

Oliver RCMP are searching the neighbourhood and would like to speak with any witnesses, as well as anyone who has video surveillance cameras in the area. 

Police would also like to speak to the man to learn of his intentions.

"Although the matter may have been innocent, out of an abundance of caution we would recommend parents speak to their children about ‘stranger danger’, and provide them avenues of who they can go to if they ever feel scared or threatened," said Sgt Jason Bayda.

If you have any information about this incident please call the Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

ORIGINAL: 2:00 p.m. 

An Oliver elementary school sent out a bulletin to parents about a potential threat of a child abductor Wednesday morning. 

Principal Valerie Allen of Sen Pok Chin School confirmed to Castanet she sent out an email warning of an incident that she was told by parents took place while three young students were waiting for the bus on the subdivision of the reserve. 

"A parent witnessed a four-door, grey car [that] stopped to talk to their children," the letter reads.

"The man in the car asked if they wanted to see his puppy. One of the parents hollered at the children to come back to the house at which point the individual continued to engage with the children to come see the puppy."

Allen said she sent the letter based on the parents' testimony, and confirmed they had gone to RCMP with their experience as well. 

"Classroom teachers reviewed 'stranger danger' understandings [Wednesday] morning in the classroom so that all children know what to do if a stranger tries to convince them to come engage in what could potentially be a dangerous situation," the letter reads. 

Castanet has reached out to RCMP for more information, and police say they are working on providing a news release. Castanet will update when that information is available.