According to police,  a 7 year old Quesnel boy was approached by a 68 year old woman who proceeded to shake his hand and then grabbed him by the wrist and tried to pull him toward her nearby vehicle.  The boy’s 13 year old friend saw what was going on and intervened pulling the child away from the female suspect.  The woman fled the scene in her vehicle but was located and arrested moments later by members of the Quesnel RCMP. 

 

The 68 year old woman of no fixed address was arrested for Attempted Kidnapping and remains in Quesnel RCMP custody awaiting her first appearance later today.

 

The woman was not known to the 7 year old child or his family and this appears to be an isolated incident.  RCMP credit the quick action and bravery of the 13 year old girl who intervened as being critical in preventing this abduction. 

 

TPolice say this incident serves as a reminder to all parents of the importance of speaking to their children about stranger safety.

 

Use the "Buddy System."  Encourage your child to always walk, play and bike with a buddy – regardless of their age. 

 

Teach young children NOT to wander away from you in public places.  Insist that very young children hold a supervising adult’s hand continually while walking in public spaces.  Older children should stay close by their parent.

 

In the unlikely event that your child is approached by a stranger who attempts to coerce them, teach your child to scream loudly, make lots of noise, yell "This is NOT my parent" and scatter belongings. 

 

Take note of  the vehicle description and license plate number and call 911 immediately.