The Nuu-chah-nulth parents of a seven-year-old attending Wood Elementary School say their son is afraid to go back to his class after what they describe as an attempted abduction from the playground at lunchtime Tuesday, Feb. 24.
His father (who we will not identify to protect the identity of the child) said he and his wife were not told of the incident until Thursday afternoon (Feb. 26) when mom and child were walking home from school.
The father told Ha-Shilth-Sa that when they got to the public library, his son started to cry hysterically and said ‘That’s the guy that tried to take me.’ Mom turned to the man and took his photo. And, returned to the school to report the incident to the principal.
The father alleges a male tried to lure his son with treats and a toy (Thomas the Train). The boy said that the man told him he wanted to take him home to work for him; saying the boy would be returned at the end of the week. Dad said his son was pushed to the ground by the man, who then allegedly called the boy stupid, and took him up on his shoulder.
Dad says a young playmate started to grab at the legs of the boy, and his son wrestled free.
Mom told Ha-Shilth-Sa that if it wasn’t for that young friend, she might not have her son right now.
Port Alberni RCMP is investigating, but say they cannot confirm a number of key details in the incident. They say numerous witnesses and school staff have been interviewed.
“In an overabundance of caution we are confirming the report, however, until such time as certain details can be solidified, further details including a certain description of the suspicious male cannot be provided,” reads an RCMP press statement.
The father has described the male as a Caucasian between the ages of 30 and 40 with very short brown hair and about 6’1”.
Dad said he wanted the story out in the public so that other parents can be made aware and to keep their children safe.
Mom said her son is normally outgoing, friendly and chatty and is a good big brother to his toddler sibling. But since the incident, he has become angry and afraid and doesn’t want to leave the house.
“The Port Alberni RCMP takes matters of this kind very seriously,” reads their statement, “and would like to remind parents and children to review basic safety information on a regular basis. Should additional information become available an update will be provided to the public.”
Dawna Johnson-Day, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Education Department Manager, also stressed the importance of parents talking to their children about being safe and aware at all times. The school sent out a notice to parents with the same message, Johnson-Day reports.
