High River student says no to offer of a ride

RCMP press relaese

RCMP High River are investigating an incident that occured Wednesday, September 19 at approximately 8:30 in the morning.  A caucasian male driving a black quad cab truck, approached a female youth while riding her bike.
The male pulled his truck up beside her and asked her if she “wanted to go for a ride?”  She declined, and kept riding her bike.  The male then insisted saying to her “It’s chilly out, are you sure?”  The child again indicated no and rode her bike immediately to her destination.

The child was able to say that the vehicle was black, with a large scratch on the driver’s side door of the vehicle.  Due to the height of the truck, all she was able to see of the male driver was the top of his head, and was able to say the driver had blonde hair with a bit of brown.  No further descriptions were available.

At no time did this male get out of his vehicle or make any other attempts for communication with the youth.

High River RCMP will be increasing their patrols of the schools, parks and other areas frequented by the youth.   RCMP is asking for public’s assistance should anyone have information regarding this incident.

Parents, students and the general public are reminded to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police immediately.  Parents are also reminded to have conversations with their children about “Stranger Danger”.

The High River RCMP are requesting the public's assistance in solving this crime. If you have information about this, or any other crime(s), please call the High River RCMP at (403) 652-2356.  If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

High River RCMP are continuing their investigation to identify the driver of this vehicle.  All media inquiries to be directed to the High River RCMP Detachment at 403-652-2356.

Tips for Parents

Educate your children!

Parents must reinforce to kids to never accept rides.  It has to be second nature to them.

Never approach or enter a stranger's car.

Keep you informed as to their whereabouts at all times.

Never to play alone, always be with friends.

Be aware of their environment and who's around them.

Look back to see if anyone is following them.

Try to remember details of the person's vehicle and description of the person.

Stay in public or well-populated areas.

Map your child's route to and from school with them.  Make sure your children follow this route with no deviations unless they get your permission first.

Teach your child to tell you if anything happens that makes them feel unsafe and to report immediately anything out of the ordinary.

Consider giving your child a whistle that is easily accessible and kept close to the chest.  Impress upon them the importance of using this whistle only when needing to attract attention that would scare off strangers and to receive assistance.