Ottawa police are investigating after an attempted abduction in the city’s west end Sunday.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., an unknown male approached a girl who was walking alone in the area of Somerville Avenue and Hollington Street.
The suspect allegedly grabbed the girl from behind and placed her in his vehicle. She was able to free herself from the male and police were contacted.
The girl, who is about 10 years old, was walking alone, Ottawa Police Staff Sergeant John McGetrick said Monday.
Police are warning the public to be vigilant, McGetrick said.
“This is certainly concerning,” he said, and even more worrisome that the incident occurred in broad daylight.
Fortunately, incidents like this are “not that common” in Ottawa, he said.
Police are now investigating several avenues, he said.
The suspect is described as a white male, about six feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and his face was concealed with a black balaclava. He was driving a blue van with windows on the rear doors, but no windows on the side.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
