An attempted abduction of a young girl in Blackfalds has turned out to be a false alarm.
Police were called after a Grade 5 girl was frightened after encountering a man on her way to Iron Ridge Junior Campus on Wednesday morning. The youngster thought the man was pursuing her up a bike path and a description of the suspect was released by police and school officials.
The media attention led a 57-year-old man to go to police. He suspected he may have been the man the girl was concerned about.
Further investigation showed the man had encountered the youngster, but police determined he had not committed any offence and was no threat to local residents, says a media release from Red Deer Rural Staff Sgt. Gord Glasgow.
“Police note the individual was very diligent in seeking out police and ensuring any information he possessed in relation to the allegation was provided promptly to police,” says Glasgow. “Police are completely satisfied that this individual has done nothing improper.”
The report of a possible abduction prompted Wolf Creek Public Schools to send home a newsletter to students in schools in Blackfalds and Lacombe.
RCMP encourage parents to talk to their children about safely getting to and from school and providing them with a safety plan.